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www.GroundcoverNews.org 734-707-9210 2 HOW IT IS HOW IT IS 3 Raped, robbed and branded sinners Over 300 renters in Los Angeles protest over housing crisis by Eric Ares by Douglas Yu The MHSA supports recent changes “Renters are at the core of Los Angeles’ in policy towards LGBTQ homeless Community Connection – Los Angeles, economic recovery, making up more Spare Change News – Boston, USA, persons on the national level. For Finn, USA, 5/05/2014 than 65 percent of our City’s residents. 2/17/2014 the highlight of these contributions Yet, renters at all income levels continue to face real displacement. Today, the has been the improvement of services On the morning of Wednesday, April There’s a book called Youth in Crisis: City recognizes this critical population provided to the transgender homeless 23, 2014, over 300 renters and al- What Everyone Should Know About and the need for relief. Renters make population. lies from across Los Angeles, stood Growing Up Gay, edited by Mitchell LA work, we need to make LA work shoulder-to-shoulder and rallied on the Gold, which contains a series of inter- for renters,” said Councilmember Gil “A few years ago, there were quite few south steps of LA City Hall to declare views with young people. There is a shelters that accepted transgender Cedillo. story in there that is heartbreaking: the City’s first-ever Renters’ Day. Dur- people that I know,” Finn said. “Quite ing the subsequent press conference, honestly, it was discrimination.” While a feeling of celebration and ac- The Trevor Project, an American non- tenants from South LA, Little Tokyo, complishment could be felt throughout profit organization focused on suicide and Boyle Heights shared stories of the Typically, shelters are divided into male devastating impact that LA’’s housing the crowd as residents exited City Hall, prevention efforts among lesbian, shelters and female shelters. So if there gay, bisexual, transgender and queer crisis is having on families at all income the group recognized that the day was is a male-to-female transgender person levels. Afterwards, the large and ener- only the first of many steps needed to (LGBTQ) youth, received a call from a coming in, she may be assigned to live getic group overflowed City Council address this urgent issue. Renters make 16-year-old gay teen from just outside in a dorm full of women that have been Chambers, where LA City Council- LA work. It’s time LA we make LA Boston. He told one of the counselors traumatized by men. member Gil Cedillo officially declared work for renters. To get more infor- that he had taken ten Klonopins (an Over 300 renters and allies from across Los Angeles, stood shoulder to shoulder and anti-anxiety medication), spent the April 23 as Renters’ Day. mation, contact any of the SLA BHC Youths kick a gay rights activist during a protest against a proposed new law termed “That was very concerning sometimes rallied on the south steps of LA City Hall to declare the City’s first ever Renters’ Day. organizations or visit the Renters’ Day night passed out at a friend’s house, and Photo by Eric Ares by the State Duma, the lower house of Parliament, as “against advocating the rejection to those women,” said Finn. Facebook page: facebook.com/IAMAR- thought he had been raped. “I’ve lived in Los Angeles for 18 years, of traditional family values” in central Moscow June 11, 2013. Photo by REUTERS/ ENTER. Finn is not fully satisfied with the over- and it’s never been this bad or this hard step up because people are working too market in which there are only 17 af- This gay teen frequently abused drugs Maxim Shemetov all services within the shelter system to afford a place to live,” said Leonard hard just to see their families strug- fordable units for every 100 low-income and alcohol. “He revealed that he had Source: www.street-papers.org homeless youth last November. This safer on the streets. provided to transgender people over Woods, a renter in Downtown Los gling so much.” Leonard’s experience is families. been overdosing on Klonopin regularly / Community Connection – USA new program will provide 32 units of the years. Angeles. “Something must be done. not unique in a city where 65 percent just to see if it would kill him,” as it is permanent supportive housing for LG- We need our City Council members to of residents are renters in a housing described in the story. In the South, LGBTQ homeless young BTQ young adults between the ages of adults suffer not only from physical “I think [that], due to a lot of training, 18 and 24 in Greater Boston and West- threats, but religious condemnation as some of the issues have changed, but it According to a recent study, there is an ern Massachusetts, according to the well. In a recent phone interview with hasn’t changed entirely,” said Finn. Chronic shortage of child psychiatrists in U.S. increasing number of LGBTQ young MHSA’s executive director, Joe Finn. Rick Westbrook, the executive director by Noelle Swan Aurora, Colorado movie theater. Since In fact, millions of young people in “The juvenile justice system is becom- adults that face the same problems ev- of Lost-N-Found Youth Inc., a lot of then, Adam Lanza opened fire in a America are suffering from untreated ing the de facto mental health provider ery day: mental health issues, violence, Westbrook from Lost-N-Found Youth Spare Change News – Boston, USA, “Our responsibility is to house those shelters in the South are church-based. Newtown, Connecticut elementary mental illness, and the U.S. healthcare for a large number of these youths, substance abuse and homelessness. Inc. agrees with Finn, acknowledging 7/22/2013 who are homeless,” Finn said. “That’s Lost-N-Found Youth Inc. is the only that transgender people are the most school; a 20-year-old college student system is not equipped to care for s a d l y.” why we exist.” agency in Atlanta, GA that serves spe- abused people in the country. “I don’t know exactly what happened killed four people in Orange County, them, according to experts in child and The U.S. Department of Health and cifically LGBTQ homeless youth. to drive that young man in Aurora California during a drive-by shoot- adolescent psychiatry. The U.S. Surgeon Thomas has spent over a decade study- Human Services (HHS) estimates that For seven years, the MHSA has been to shoot those people, but I do know ing; and a 19-year-old in New Orleans General’s office estimates that only 20 ing the shortage and distribution of the number of homeless and runaway “A lot of our female-to-male transgen- dealing with different age groups that “If our kids get into those [church- that many people like him suffer while opened fire on a Mother’s Day parade. percent of emotionally disturbed chil- child and adolescent psychiatrists in youth ranges from 575,000 to 1.6 mil- der kids are girls who dress more like traditionally chronicle homeless people, based] shelters, they have to listen undiagnosed and untreated,” said Jess the United States. His 1999 paper in lion per year. The National Gay and boys. They may have a straight name, dren receive mental health services. Finn said. Their characteristics are to how they are sinners and they are Shatkin, an associate professor of child In each of these tragedies, images of the Journal of the American Associa- Lesbian Task Force’s analysis of the but it’s still easy to change their names. marked by mental health issues, severe going to hell unless they stay in the and adolescent psychiatry at New York isolated and despondent young male Those children do not automatically tion of Child and Adolescent Psychia- available research suggests that between So it’s easier to get them employed,” disabilities, substance abuse and addic- closet,” said Westbrook. “A lot of times, University. perpetrators have emerged in the shed their emotional problems on their trists (AACAP) spurred the AACAP to 20 and 40 percent of all homeless youth Westbrook said. “But when it comes tion. [they] get picked on, beaten up, raped aftermath. And after each tragedy, the 18th birthday. They become adults with launch a task force on workforce issues, identify as LGBTQ. Given that between to things like male-to-female, I’ve had and robbed in a normal shelter. So it’s July 20, 2013, marked one year since nation vowed to launch a national dis- mental illness. Some find treatment as which aims to recruit medical students 3 and 5 percent of the U.S. population some who are in several different stages especially important for us to house James Eagan Holmes massacred 12 cussion of mental health. adults; some turn to drugs and alcohol into the specialty. identifies as LGBTQ, it is clear that Today, the MHSA houses about 600 of transitions. Some are very passable. them, so they can be around people people and injured 70 more inside an LGBTQ youth experience homelessness people, and almost 30 percent came Some appear to be cross-dressing. You to manage their symptoms; and some like themselves, whether they are gay, Both Shatkin – the current chair of the at a disproportionate rate. right off the street. can tell them easily on the street.” lose control. lesbian, trans or bi.” AACAP Workforce Issues Commit- LGBTQ youth challenges The American Medical Association tee – and Thomas said that recruiting In Boston, there are several agencies “So they don’t have to go to shelters,” For those transgender kids who are On a freezing Saturday in late January, continued from page 2 It has been two-and-a-half years since estimates that there are 15 million new students into the field continues to and drop-in centers that provide ser- said Finn. “These adult shelters are not struggling with transitioning from one Westbrook and more than 100 volun- Queer rights advocates and LGBTQ American children in need of psychiat- be an uphill battle more than a decade vices and support to LGBTQ homeless good places for any young adults, and stage to the other, “they are not further bridge, DIAL/SELF Youth & Commu- teers – many of them straight – reno- youth protested in front of the historic ric care and just 7,000 child and adoles- later. youth. However, there is not a single it’s a more difficult spot for LGBTQ on in their journey,” Westbrook said. nity Services in Greenfield, and Justice young people. [A] shelter is just not a vated a house that provides a temporary “Aside from being ostracized for being Resources Institute in Boston for their Stonewall Inn in New York City to cent psychiatrists to treat them. shelter in that city that targets this The specialty requires an additional nice place to be, and the possibility of place for Atlanta’s LGBTQ homeless who they are, it’s hard to find them new housing initiative. demand funding for homeless LGBTQ group of people exclusively, yet. This discrepancy can leave families two years of training beyond the three being victimized is tremendous.” youth to stay. employment.” youth programs. The success of these protests in drawing attention and fund- waiting months for their children see years of general psychiatry studies. The Gary Gates, a researcher of LGBTQ de- “We don’t do these things by ourselves, “It’s important to us, to the community, ing for their cause has inspired high a therapist, which can take a toll on extra time and student loans discourage mography at UCLA, has been involved LGBTQ kids are not just victimized by In an effort to help transgender youth we fund the agencies doing these to work together, so the kids can see hopes that the MHSA’s new housing individual families and the community, potential students, Shatkin said. in many studies of LGBTQ homeless other homeless people in those shelters. transition into a healthier stage, Lost- things,” Finn said. “So far, we have three straight people that actually care for program will prove to be a similar said Christopher Thomas, the director youths for years. “I think the situation According to the National Gay and N-Found tries to hook the young people housed. But I know that people “The best we can hope for is staying Lesbian Task Force, family conflict is them,” Westbrook said. transgender people up with older trans- in Youth On Fire are poised, ready to blessing for many LGBTQ homeless of child psychiatry residency training at for LGBTQ youths varies dramatically youth in Massachusetts. the University of Texas, Galveston. pretty much in the situation that we depending on where they live. And the primary cause of homelessness for gender people who made the transi- be housed shortly. They’ve identified 18 are already in, but I fear that we might there are other areas where it’s quite all youth, LGBTQ or straight. Finn from the MHSA said that young tions later in life, when they were more LGBTQ homeless persons.” Untreated adolescents who struggle actually be falling further behind,” adult homelessness manifests itself in established in their careers. “We don’t think it’s the best first step to a bit of a stigma attached with being with emotional problems can fall be- Thomas said. Fifty percent of gay teens received a many different ways, and that those In the Cambridge GLBT Commission build shelters specifically for anybody,” LGBTQ,” he said. Finn said. “It’s really not about housing hind in school, develop substance abuse negative reaction from their parents impacted are forced to come up with In terms of helping LGBTQ homeless monthly meeting recently, Cambridge Meanwhile, children around the coun- other ways to survive instead of staying them in segregated areas. They’re not problems and engage in dangerous and Gates pointed out that it is still quite when they came out, and 26 percent of youth find a place to call home, the City Councilor Marc McGovern said try wait months for the necessary care. in traditional shelters. being housed because they are LGBTQ, risky behavior, Thomas said. unusual to have a shelter or provider them were kicked out of their homes. MHSA is not battling homelessness that funding to LGBTQ homeless youth More than one-third of them experi- alone. They cooperate with the Youth programs is increasingly important, they are housed as opposed to being out While the number of untreated chil- that only serves LGBTQ people nation- on the street.” “Well over 80 percent of youth in juve- ally. But things have started to change enced a violent physical assault when “We don’t want to make the same mis- On Fire program of the AIDS Action and funding to these programs is most nile justice placement have a substance dren varies around the country, the since the Massachusetts Housing and they came out in normal shelters, which take like 30 years ago, say: ‘Let’s do shel- Committee of Massachusetts in Cam- likely to come from property taxes, Source: www.street-papers.org / Spare abuse problem. More than half likely Shelter Alliance (MHSA) launched may have led them to leave a shelter or ters and then we are done’,” said Finn. commercial taxes and the human ser- Change News – USA have a mental disorder,” Thomas said. CHILD THERAPISTS, page 15 a new housing program for LGBTQ foster home because they actually felt LGBTQ YOUTH, page 3 vices department.

www.groundcovernews.org www.groundcovernews.org 4 THINK ABOUT IT THINK ABOUT IT 5 U.S. Freedom Schools tackling racism Crowd control: curbing our propensity to procreate by Rosette Royale gram at TFSC, said the program’s core curriculum of undoing racism rarely An exclusive interview with award-winning journalist Alan Weisman Real Change – Seattle, USA, 8/26/2013 gets discussed in school. by Rosette Royale ago, we were pretty much subject to The Tyree Scott Freedom School, a joint He said the workshop is named after the same laws of any other species: we program from the People’s Institute Tyree Scott, a Seattle civil rights orga- Real Change – Seattle, USA, existed, we procreated, we made cop- Northwest and the American Friends nizer and labor leader who was active 11/04/2013 ies of ourselves. We made extra copies Service Center, is a nine-day workshop from the late 1960s to the late 1990s. of ourselves because we knew that, attended by young people aged 15-21 Scott worked on issues ranging from Even when you set a world record, it unfortunately, some of those kids died. who discuss poverty, incarceration and affirmative action to global economic doesn’t mean the world will ever know In fact, most children did not make it to youth-police relations. justice. The first Freedom School oc- your name. Consider what happened their fifth birthday – which, if we think to one member of a Russian peasant about the pain of our ancestors, that’s Khalil Lee-Butler recalled the time a curred in 2001, and Washington said couple from the 1700s. pretty sobering. On the other hand, play-fight turned into a run-in with the the program is more important than that was normal. So women would have cops. ever. The known half of the pair is Feodor six or seven children in the hopes that Vassilyev, and between 1725 and 1765, It was last year, and Lee-Butler was “Racism is killing our young people, some would survive. his first wife gave birth to 69 children. hanging in South Seattle with a 16-year- our adults, our communities,” said That’s right: she had 16 pairs of twins, old friend. His friend’s younger brother, Washington, “and we need young Our species, when we’d actually got- seven sets of triplets and four sets of age 14, joined them, and the two broth- people to step up and take their right- ten to a billion, it meant that we had quadruplets. All but two of those chil- ers started horsing around. Nothing ful place in the movement for social made it a little easier on ourselves. dren survived past childhood. None of serious, said Lee-Butler, but seemingly Khalil Lee-Butler and Andrea Lopez participated in a “Speak Truth to Power” panel change.” The Industrial Revolution was helpful: Aug. 2, 2013 at Seattle City Hall. The event was part of the Tyree Scott Freedom School. the publications that detailed the case, people lived in closer quarters, there out of nowhere, the police showed up. Lee-Butler said that during one session, Photo by Minh Nguyen including the science journal Lancet, was more access to doctors – even if the Lee-Butler, now 19, said the police the group compared the deaths of Em- named the mother. Even so, the Guin- doctors weren’t very good. But doctors mett Till and Travyon Martin. Till was a ness Book of World Records crowned never paused to ask any questions or Stokely Carmichael to describe societal also occurs at the end of the year.) The started getting real good in 1798, when 14-year-old black youth from Chicago. her the woman who’s given birth to the hear what he and his friend had to say. patterns that impose oppressive condi- program is free. Journalist Alan Weisman’s latest book, Countdown (2013), takes a hard look at the Edward Jenner invented a vaccine for While visiting relatives in Mississippi most children. Instead, they arrested his friend and tions on the basis of race or ethnicity. realities of human overpopulation. Photo by Alan Weisman smallpox – our first vaccine – which drove him away in a squad car. His Lee-Butler said he was encouraged to in 1955, he was accused of flirting with was quickly followed by more vaccines friend spent three days in jail. At the For the past two summers, Lee-Butler attend in 2012 by friends and family a white woman. In response, two white Today, women don’t have over 60 kids and methods of eradicating insects that men brutally beat Till before shooting in a lifetime. It’s a good thing, too, Not that he’s a doomsayer. Indeed, in Weisman. He leaned in close, huddled court hearing, assault charges against said he made use of a resource that members. He returned as one of 35 Weisman’s new book, Countdown: Our over a table with the fingers of his left carried other diseases. We learned how his friend were dropped and he was helped him understand institutional participants this year, he said, because him dead. Martin was a 17-year-old because as it stands, the world couldn’t to pasteurize milk; we learned how to black youth. While walking through a handle the pressure. As of the writ- Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth? hand pressed into his brow, as if he released. racism and provided tools to dismantle last year’s workshop opened his eyes to (Little, Brown and Company, 2013), were studying a puzzle he couldn’t quite wash our hands in hospitals. That alone it: the Tyree Scott Freedom School. the pervasive nature of racism. gated community in Sanford, Florida, ing of this article – on October 29 at 4 was huge. Just the idea of using disin- “It was just ridiculous,” said Lee-Butler. in February 2012, Martin had an pm PST – the global population was you can sense his love of humanity. Yet solve. Over the course of 40 minutes, he he still believes we need a prescription talked in a steady, low voice about Paki- fectant in hospitals dropped the infant Held in late July and early August, Free- “I had seen these things every day,” he altercation with a volunteer in a neigh- 7.12 billion people, and our population mortality rate: ten times the number On one level, it didn’t surprise him. dom School offers 15-to-21-year-olds said, “but I wasn’t aware of what [they borhood watch program, members of keeps growing. Every four-and-a-half to curb our propensity to procreate. stan, the Vatican, polygamy, and living Lee-Butler is multi-racial. His friend To find answers, he traveled the globe, through one of life’s tragedies. of kids started to survive. So as a result an opportunity to discuss and analyze meant] at the time.” which found Martin suspicious. After days, one million more children are of medical technology, more children who was arrested is black. Institutional institutional racism, poverty and the an alleged tussle, George Zimmerman born. UN officials predict that by 2100, making stops in countries such as RR: At the beginning of your book were surviving infancy and more racism, Lee-Butler said, makes him and prison industrial complex. The sum- Memories of Emmett and Travyon – a multiracial man – shot Martin dead. there may very well be 10.9 billion of Niger, where women average between you mention that in 1815, the world’s people were living longer, so they were other people of mixed race targets for mer program culminated this year with Freedom School takes place outside of a The suspects in both cases were acquit- us. That would be, naturally, a world seven and eight children, the highest population was one billion. Now we’ve still hanging around when other people the police. The term institutional rac- a youth panel at Seattle City Hall on formal classroom. Dustin Washington, record. birth rate on Earth, and Japan, where surpassed seven billion. were born. ism was coined by civil rights activist August 2. (A three-day freedom school director of the community justice pro- FREEDOM SCHOOLS, page 15 the population has been dropping since 2006. Alan Weisman thinks it would be th AW: Yeah, that was fast. And then, in the 20 century, two imprudent to hit that milepost. Indeed, other things happened. The first was Elite students target fossil fuel firms Weisman, author of the international Weisman came to town on a book RR: Then you ask, “How the hell did we figured out how to pull nitrogen by Tate Williams By expanding the campaign beyond the Harvard is at the core of a budding, tained a strong presumption against bestseller The World Without Us, be- tour, and before his October 21 read- ing at Seattle Town Hall, we met at the that happen?” So, how the hell did it out of the air and chemically apply it to Spare Change News – Boston, USA, scope of bright-eyed undergraduates, nationwide movement – loosely orches- divesting stock for reasons unrelated to lieves that we should implement steps Hotel Monaco and sat in white vinyl happen? soils. Before, the amount of plant life 6/24/2013 Divest Harvard is trying to send a clear trated by Bill McKibben’s 350.org – to investment purposes. Harvard is first to reduce childbirth rates to preserve message to the university’s decision- convince universities, religious institu- and foremost an academic institution, the planet – before it’s too late. chairs that had the regal air of thrones. OVERPOPULATION, page 16 The campaign to pull Harvard’s stock makers: this isn’t kid stuff. tions and municipalities to divest their and the endowment’s primary purpose But there was nothing imperial about AW: Well, up until about 300 years holdings out of the fossil fuel industry fossil fuel-related stocks, similar to past is to support the research and educa- has graduated from primarily a bacca- “It’s showing that the campaign is really movements to stigmatize investments tional activities through which institu- laureate effort, to one that includes law broadening out in an exceptional way in tobacco and companies with ties to tions of higher education make their Harvard movement seeks fossil fuel divestment students, faculty and even some of the at Harvard,” said Alli Welton, a Divest apartheid or genocide. distinctive contributions to society, continued from page 4 Harvard organizer. “A lot of student Adding law students to the chorus “These are the people giving donations. visiting alumni, some attendees inde- school’s distinguished and well-heeled including ground-breaking research builds some credibility in the face of Their success reflects on the university,” pendently brought up divestment to alumni. activism [normally] happens among It’s a somewhat symbolic approach in and education on climate change.” the undergrads… we’re supposedly so the face of Congressional stagnation, gest banners and the loudest chants, those who might discount younger said Newhall, who has been running President Faust, Welton said. I think it conveyed to people that this activists, Hamidi said. info sessions on campus during reunion As thousands of attendees recently de- idealistic and naïve.” but one that has arguably built more The undergraduate student body passed isn’t a crazy college kid thing,” said week. “It’s easy for the administra- And Faust spent a good chunk of her scended upon the Cambridge campus momentum behind climate activism a referendum with 72 percent in favor Sean Hamidi, a law student organiz- “You could conceivably say, ‘Oh, college tion to dismiss students, but when you commencement address talking about for 2013 commencement, and alumni The campaign has picked up the sup- than anything since An Inconvenient of divestment in November, earning the ing for divestment. “This is a genuine students – they don’t understand how get some of these prestigious alumni, all of the great work Harvard is doing returned for reunions, they were met port of prominent faculty like Lawrence Truth (Al Gore’s 2006 film about global activists two unsatisfying meetings with humanitarian issue that is going to take systems work, they’re just protesting they’ll have a much harder time doing on climate change. with pamphlets, posters and eager Lessig, Duncan Kennedy and Richard warming). With the largest univer- Harvard trustees. Since then, there has Parker, and now even distinguished a widespread, societal response.” because they have nothing better to do.’ t h at .” activists telling them all about the push sity endowment in the world, some of been a rally at President Drew Faust’s But we have a campaign of law stu- “I heard her commencement speech last alumni like Bob Massie and Adam which is invested in fossil fuel compa- office, and just in late April, Harvard to divest the school’s $32 billion endow- Hamidi, like other Divest activists, dents who came to law school to create While they’ve seen no further signs of year and she mentioned climate change Hochschild. nies, Harvard would be a huge win for Law School joined the fray with their ment from fossil fuel stocks. concedes that pulling the school’s stocks change through and with the law, and budging, it does seem that in small-but- once,” Welton said. “So I think we’ve the effort. own referendum in support. from oil companies won’t solve the recognize that [that approach] is going promising ways, climate change man- had a very big impact on her, to the The campaign so far has added 219 Welton said some alumni have been climate crisis, but it brings the debate to be inadequate for this challenge.” aged to crash the commencement and point where [this year] she had to get alumni, 95 professors and more than self-organizing, others are taking a lead But the administration and govern- “When we held a rally outside of Presi- back to their turf, and allows better- reunion celebrations (in addition to the up there and make the case that Har- 1,100 students to its list of support- role in the campaign, and one alum- ing body of the university has barely dent Faust’s office and the law students functioning institutions like universities The alumni campaign has a similar scorching heat wave). vard actually does care about climate ers. In late April, even buttoned-up nus donor is funding three staff who budged on the issue, having released a showed up in full force with the big- to build momentum and “eventually intent, said Beth Newhall, class of 2002, change in front of all these people.” law students at the President Obama’s will work full-time on the campaign few statements such as: turn the ship of these bigger, broken who recently began working to orga- During the welcome event in which alma mater voted 67 percent in favor of through the summer. DIVESTMENT, page 5 Source: www.street-papers.org / Spare institutions like Congress.” nize alumni for Divest Harvard. university leadership addressed the divestment. “The University has traditionally main- Change News – USA

www.groundcovernews.org www.groundcovernews.org 6 OPPRESSION OPPRESSION 7 U.S. attacked by UN for criminalizing homelessness America’s unwanted tent cities by Jeremy Rosen investigate systematic criminalization by Aaron Burkhalter provide sufficient shelter for the grow- Street Roots – Portland, USA, as discrimination based on race or dis- Real Change – Seattle, USA, 4/21/2014 ing homeless population, according to 4/21/2014 ability. Justice can also file amicus briefs the report. Most homeless tent encampments that in court; briefs that argue that crimi- operated around the United States over nalization is unconstitutional under the My organization, the National Law the last few years were illegal, according “Tent cities are a result of the absence 8th Amendment, as cruel and unusual Center on Homelessness and Pov- to a study by the National Law Center of other reasonable options,” the report punishment. Sounds a lot like the “cru- erty, works to end homelessness in on Homelessness and Poverty and the states. el, inhuman and degrading” language the United States. As the Law Center’s Yale Law School. policy director, most people would used by the United Nations, doesn’t it? The report recommends that cities cre- expect me to be pounding the pave- That U.N. language will backstop legal ate more shelter and housing options, arguments opposing criminalization. A report titled, “Welcome Home: The ment here in Washington, D.C. – lob- Rise of Tent Cities in the United States,” stop enforcing municipal laws that bying the administration and Congress We’ve also learned that some of the criminalize tent encampments, and money Justice gives local police forces surveyed 117 tent encampments across for the funding and policy changes we the country and found that most were create Homeless Bill of Rights laws that need to ensure that every person in goes to hire officers who then criminal- establish that people have a right to ize homelessness; our advocacy will unwelcome by local governments, this country has safe, decent, afford- which often evicted them. housing. able housing. However, people probably make sure this never happens again. wouldn’t expect me to spend a week in Eight of the 117 surveyed encampments Forty-five states and the District of Co- Geneva, Switzerland, lobbying at the And finally, the U.N. report will also were legal based on city laws. Ten more After the city of Seattle evicted Nickelsville from a site in May 2013, other Nickelsville lumbia had tent encampments at least United Nations. But I did – and let me benefit advocacy by local groups fight- were not formally legalized, but local camps like this one in the central district sprouted up. Photo by Wes Sauer once from 2008 to 2013. The report tell you why. Jeremy Rosen is policy director at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty ing criminalization policies and practic- cities were not choosing to evict them. accounted for 117 encampments across in the USA, a leading organisation in the movement to end homelessness. Photo by es. Rhetoric and framing are powerful state is home to four of the eight tent The Seattle City Council declined to the country, but there are likely more. Jeremy Rosen The purpose of the trip was to highlight tools. Groups like the Western Regional encampments that were considered legalize tent encampments on non- More than half of the encampments In most cases, cities shut down camps criminalization of homelessness at the Advocacy Project and LA-CAN have legal by researchers. These include church property in 2013. The city were established in the last five years. without providing alternative shelter, United Nations Human Rights Com- relevant stakeholders including social, unarmed, he was shot to death. joined the Law Center in using the Tent City 4, Tent City 3 and Nickels- evicted Nickelsville from city-owned the report found. More than 50 of the mittee’s review of United States compli- health, law enforcement and justice human right to housing framing in ville. The Washington Supreme Court property on West Marginal Way South- Source: www.street-papers.org / Real camps the study surveyed were evicted. ance with the International Covenant professionals at all levels to intensify This language will also help us seek support of their work, which includes determined in 2009 that churches west in 2013. Nickelsville now operates Change – USA Cities have threatened to evict several on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). efforts to find solutions for the home- policy change. While criminaliza- efforts to pass homeless bills of rights. have a constitutional right to host tent two encampments through Seattle-area more. Thanks to the Law Center’s advance ad- less in accordance with human rights tion measures are implemented at the Criminalization efforts are antithetical encampments. Washington cities can churches. vocacy, criminalization was made part standards; and (c) offer incentives for local level, the department Housing to the realization of the right to hous- regulate but not block churches from Washington was the exception. The of the Committee’s “list of issues” to decriminalization and implementation and Urban Development (HUD) has ing. Would a mayor or City Council hosting tent encampments. Encampments arise when cities do not be discussed at the review, forcing the of such significant member seeking to ban camping or U.S. government to respond in its own solutions, influence food sharing want to be called on the report. The Law Center then issued a including on cities carpet for passing legislation that would Jada’s stand “By using that [strong] language “The number one method used for traf- shadow report laying out the case for providing to describe homelessness, the across the allow the police to essentially torture by Nicole Christian continued country homeless residents of the city? I don’t ficking is love, the idea or the promise criminalization being a treaty violation. Thrive Detroit / actstheblog.com, of… someone coming and saying, ‘I’ll financial United Nations has made a bold – thanks think so. 8/22/2012 take care of you.’’’ In Geneva, I pressed the Human Rights support statement about just how poorly to all the to local Committee to find that criminalization homeless people are treated in money Human rights advocacy won’t end I know only one way to say this: Jada The beauty of Jada’s stand is that she of homelessness in the U.S. violates authorities this country.” it doles homelessness today, tomorrow or next Pinkett Smith is one baaaad mother. appears to be ACTing from her heart, Article VII of the Covenant, which pro- imple- out. We’re week. But it provides a strong frame- absent the usual Hollywood play at hibits cruel, inhuman, and degrading menting currently work for the movement to end home- Brains. (Did you know she writes mu- glamour. She’s after something larger. treatment. Committee Member Wal- alternatives to criminalization, and working with HUD to find ways to lessness in this country. Don’t forget sic, rocks, and paints as well as acts?) Here’s my read: Beauty. Brass. Jada, as we fans love to ter Kaelin asked the U.S. delegation a withdrawing funding for local authori- ensure that communities making the one lesson learned from the civil rights call her, has it all – and best of all is question about criminalization as cruel, ties criminalizing the homeless.” morally right and cost-effective choice movement: when international pressure Be about something bigger than her passion for using all that she’s been inhuman and degrading treatment – to provide housing are rewarded, while is strong, the U.S. government will often yourself, and bring all that you are given to act on behalf of others, an oth- straight from our report. And while Now, you might say, So what, the United communities adopting criminaliza- feel compelled to make concessions. along for the ride. Nations is always telling the U.S. gov- tion ordinances risk the loss of certain erwise invisible segment of America’s the delegation responded with tepid modern-day slaves. platitudes, the Committee was taking ernment that it’s doing things wrong, federal funds. We’re also working with Source: www.street-papers.org / Street Jada makes it plain in her own words. “Be a force that changes a paradigm,” our advocacy very seriously – the chair, but does our policy ever change? Well, the Department of Justice, which can Roots – USA You read that right: SLAVES; survivors she wrote recently to her more than 2.6 Sir Nigel Rodney, indicated that crimi- I’ll tell you just why this matters. First, of human trafficking. million Facebook followers. nalization would be one of the top is- the language is strong. In international Jada Pinkett Smith in 2012. Photo by Vittorio Zunino sues for the Committee to address in its law, “cruel, inhuman and degrading” is Jada is currently filming a documen- language typically used to describe tor- some form of modern slavery. At least “Modern-day slavery wears a different Of course, when you are Jada, being a Concluding Observations – the Com- tary for CNN’s Freedom Project, a force of change is easy, a luxury, even. ture. By using that language to describe 40, 000 women, men and children are face,” she told the Huffington Post in an mittee’s findings and recommendations global multimedia effort to end human You move. You speak. Headlines follow. homelessness, the United Nations has reported to be enslaved right here in the exclusive interview, “because you don’t to the U.S. government. trafficking. She’s posting daily video But even luxuries only carry one so made a bold statement about just how good-old USA. see chains.” journals about her discoveries at dont- far. The more potent measure of great poorly homeless people are treated in sellbodies.org. The documentary is the Sure enough, on March 27, the Com- Jada traveled to Washington, D.C. to Fellow actress and ACTivist, Salma ACTS and great ACTors is a mix of mittee’s report came out – and it was a this country. Don’t buy it? Think of latest in a string of efforts from Jada. what Harriet Tubman, and so many Jerome Murdough, a homeless veteran campaign for the Trafficking Victims Hayek, persuaded Jada to take another doozy. The Concluding Observations Protection Act. “The costs of allowing big step. Together, they produced a others, had – crazy courage and a com- recognized criminalization as cruel, who recently baked to death in a Rikers “This old monster is still with us,” the mitted heart. American actress told members of the it to exist in our nation and abroad are music video that offers an unflinching inhuman and degrading, and noted Island cell after having been arrested Senate Foreign Relations Committee much higher. It robs us of the thing we look at one of the ways traffickers ma- concern that the practice is still routine. for trespassing in a public housing That Jada the Hollywood ACTress is during a last year as she traveled to value most – our freedom. We know nipulate and ultimately abduct young It also called on the U.S. to “engage with building so he could find a warm place what that freedom is worth,” she said in women. choosing to stand at all tells me she has to sleep. If that wasn’t cruel, inhuman, Washington, D.C., with three trafficking at least half of that. state and local authorities to: (a) abolish survivors. her testimony to U.S. Congress on July criminalization of homelessness laws and degrading, what is? Maybe the 17, 2012. “Many people believe that abduc- case of James Boyd, an Albuquerque ACT on Jada, ACT on! and policies at state and local levels; (b) Some estimates suggest that 27 million tion and kidnapping is the number man recently confronted by police for Jada credits her daughter Willow, 11, one method used for trafficking,’’ she ensure close cooperation between all people around the world are trapped in Source: actstheblog.com illegal outdoor camping. Despite being with opening her eyes to the crisis. recently told CNN’s Freedom Project.

www.groundcovernews.org www.groundcovernews.org 8 GARDENING IN THE CITY GARDENING IN THE CITY 9 Urban agriculture blooming in Chicago Gardening, community and connection by Suzanne Hanney and Ryan Herzog farming is taking its place as a perma- by Caitlin Isha Cousino knowing that the garden would never StreetWise – Chicago, USA, 8/22/2012 nent part of the Chicago landscape,” Toledo Streets – Toledo, USA, exist without their cumulative hard NeighborSpace Board President Alicia 4/10/2014 work, and reap the rewards of deli- Growing Home, Inc. is a window into Berg said in prepared material during cious produce to be shared. To me, the how the Chicago City Council’s new the farm’s open house last October. Urban homesteading and sustainability most rewarding aspects of community urban agriculture ordinance, which “The Honore Street farm is an example are two very popular buzzwords that gardening have always been the unex- created structure for both commer- of how, with sensible public-private beg serious consideration and dedi- pected friendships formed, and the new cial farms and smaller, privately-run partnerships, a great program like cated application. The story of how I skills I acquire without setting out to community gardens, has affected both Growing Home can blossom.” stumbled into this passion is rather learn anything in particular. Somehow forms of urban agriculture. Until the long, scattered and potentially boring – these skills gleaned from gardening ordinance, Growing Home had to Teamwork Englewood’s Quality of Life some important notes being that I was always find a way to translate into every operate its Chicago properties under plan includes not just urban agriculture obsessed with the Lorax, was fortunate other portion of my life, particularly in the title of “technical institute,” said and training facilities but food-related enough to attend several well-run sum- how I survey a given situation before I Harry Rhodes, executive director. The businesses, Rhodes said. “It could be mer camps, and had a near-hyper-vig- dive right into the thick of things. decade-old non-profit social enterprise produce markets, food carts, small ilant sense of ecological responsibility focuses on providing on-the-job train- restaurants, cafes – anything related that I had no idea what to do with. As If I could give anyone even consider- ing to previously incarcerated, homeless to improving food access to the com- an adult, my primary passion manifest- ing backyard homesteading or com- munity.” Since Growing Home helped munity gardening advice that would and otherwise challenged individuals ed as a desire to attain a potent level of The author, Caitlin Cousino, in the Toledo community garden she helps tend. through employment in small-scale establish the Greater Englewood Urban self-sustainability while educating and have served me well, I would suggest Agriculture Task Force in 2010, there that one be cautious, be patient, and be organic farming. encouraging others to do the same. tention to how alive I am, how present so much of our time and energy in- are new community gardens and the discerning. People will disappoint you, I feel with my hands and feet in the soil vested in physically intangible concepts The ordinance, passed last September, new Kusanya Café, an espresso bar, at After four years of directly applying nature will surprise you, and you will and the smells of fresh vegetation – all and activities, most often under the eased overall costs for urban-produc- This “after” photo of the Hermitage Street Garden shows what $25 for seeds and raised 69th and Morgan. myself to growing my own food, one make mistakes. If you weren’t schooled while the sun beats on my face. In the guise of making capital in a place we tion farms in terms of landscaping, beds can do for productive community spirit. Photo by Openlands of the greatest challenges I still experi- with this knowledge early on, getting long run, I am rewarded with a sense of had no relationship to prior to employ- and allowed cheaper fencing and fewer “The ultimate goal is to turn a food ence to this day is cultivating patience into a rhythm and ease of practice will accomplishment and self-resilience few ment, so that we can spend that capital parking spaces, Rhodes said. Rhodes said the Chicago Department The hoop house will operate year- desert into a food destination,” Rhodes and allowing nature to be my teacher. take time and patience. It would be wise activities in this life have ever provided on food we have no affinity to beyond of Housing and Economic Develop- round; spinach is the main crop over said. “People are coming, there’s more Pressures arise in my mind that say: to try out several gardening partners, for me, regardless of what my crop yield basic survival. The ordinance is the second component ment has identified as many as 300 the winter, along with some lettuce and and more people who come to visit our “I’m too broke and under-educated. learn several gardening styles, learn of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plans toward sites as well as the community gardens is. city-owned sites that could become carrots. An identical hoop house will This time and energy spent trying to Local community gardens become your soil quality and always remember ending “food deserts,” where fresh every year. Change isn’t something that urban-production farms, in line with be constructed this fall alongside it. growing food could be spent making Urban homesteading in the form of interpersonal relationship-building that, no matter how seasoned you are, produce is harder to find than fast food, happens overnight, but it is definitely the commercial portion of the ordi- Once the entire site is up and running, money to survive!” These voices are community gardening is integral to our opportunities, as well as public forums nature will always astonish you with resulting in higher risks of diet-related happening.” nance. Right now, Growing Home runs Rhodes expects a yield triple the 13,000 ever-present, and maybe they will stay emerging understanding of truly sus- for communication and problem- both blessings and misfortunes. issues like heart disease and diabetes, the only two such properties. pounds grown in 2011 at Su Casa and that way. Yet, I always redirect my at- One sign of this change, Rhodes said, tainable community. Most of us spend solving. A community can take pride in said Policy Director Mike Simmons. Wood Street. Emanuel’s first priority is attracting Now in its 10th year, Growing Homes is that sales at their farm stand have more grocery stores to food deserts. operates four farms. Its first farm was The extra capacity could also mean tripled since last year, thanks to the In the meantime, Simmons says they in Downstate Marseilles, which raises five more transitional jobs at Growing work of Sonya Harper, Growing Home’s Chicago’s blooming urban food movement community outreach coordinator. “want to empower people to grow their produce for subscribers to Community Home, where students learn not only tor of the garden, said subscribers may Besides the farm stand, Harper runs continued from page 8 The organization also helps individu- Gardens open to the public bring many own food.” Sponsored Agriculture (CSAs). It also urban agriculture methods but also cultivate anything they want, including “Wednesdays at Wood Street.” als raise money for soil and plants, and benefits, according to Bea Jasper of the operates a market garden at SuCasa in marketing, retail sales, landscaping and A journalism graduate of the University cabbage, collards, cucumbers, tomatoes, it teaches a six-week course on how Greater Englewood Gardening As- Rhodes added that research shows add- Back of the Yards. In 2007, it opened its customer service. Last year, there were This event includes produce sales from of Missouri who worked in television squash, flowers, string beans, mustard, to form a group and assign tasks. The sociation, which was started by Open- ing green space to communities serves year-round organic farm – still the only 35 transitional jobs and this year there the farm stand, tours of the farms, and radio – NBC, FOX and CBS af- turnip, greens and peppers. Each of the class meets at the Garfield Park Con- lands and Growing Home. “People to lower violence: “Anytime you can certified organic farm in Chicago – at were 40, with 45 expected next year, workshops and cooking demos. Twice filiates across the Midwest – Harper is 38 plots can yield enough to feed a fam- servatory except for a final session on are developing gardens to beautify the take a vacant lot and turn it into pro- 5814 S. Wood St. in Englewood. This Rhodes said. yearly, Harper coordinates open houses originally from Englewood. She has a ily of four for an entire year. Most of the construction – raised beds, benches, community, to lower the idea that this ductive space, especially with growing farm also sells to Green City Market in conjunction with surrounding orga- deep investment in the community, and produce is grown for owner consump- pergolas – that is held at Dawson Tech- is a blighted area,” she said. plants, it changes the atmosphere of the and at its own on-site farm stand for Going into the 2012 farming season, nizations to teach the community about it shows through her work. Her aim is tion. nical Institute, a subsidiary of Kennedy community.” the public. Growing Home had 127 inquiries for 40 urban agriculture. The most recent not just to encourage residents to grow King College in Englewood. Holding meetings on every second intern positions annually. The program Pugh says public support is strong, The idea for making Englewood an event, held in June, was a workshop more produce to feed themselves, but to Saturday of the month, the Greater Just around the corner on Honore is divided into two 14-week programs what she estimates as 85 percent of the “urban agriculture district” also comes on healthy eating with chef Josephine use the gardens and farms as a means to “That is Openlands’s niche on urban Englewood Gardening Association Street, between 58th and 59th, Growing with roughly 20 interns each during the community and others from nearby from LISC Chicago and its Teamwork McEntee of Emma’s Kitchen. McEntee unite them more as a community. agriculture, not the big gardens that sell teaches how to build raised beds, how Home is managing the first urban farm growing season. The Wood Street farm Hyde Park. Recently, garden members Englewood component, which led plan- showed visitors various recipes on how to restaurants, but where people grow to do flower arrangements and how to under the new Chicago City Council is used for training and the students ro- “One of the biggest problems in this held a workshop with Openlands about ning for the community’s Quality of to pair foods for taste and to cook veg- their own food that they share with cultivate vegetables. Its meetings attract ordinance. The new farm is eight-tenths tate to the other farms. During the win- community is a lack of positive com- cultivating small plots, and planning Life plan in 2005. Growing Home is a etables just right so they wouldn’t lose each other,” Daniel said. “They might up to 30 people at a time, Jasper said. of an acre, in a former residential zone ter, the social enterprise concentrates munication about community issues,” what to grow. partner, and so is Openlands. their nutrients. have a little farm stand in the fall just The association provided the manpower divided by an alley and an abandoned on job development and recruiting. she said. “There’s no community center to sell to neighbors,” a provision that for the Bethel Gardens; members set up railroad overpass. Englewood was one of at least six “The City has suggested Englewood Growing Home also received positive for anyone to visit.” People stay indoors Openlands urged the city to allow. The raised beds and spread wood chips. The Honore Street site is preserved neighborhoods in which Openlands as a potential center for a lot more feedback on “Gardening for Beauty,” a minding their own business, so nobody organization has facilitated roughly 15 The object of the Honore Street farm for Growing Home and Englewood did planning with churches, block clubs urban agriculture because there’s so workshop where attendees used house- is aware of what goes on within the community gardens, some for food, “Gardens are there to give people on will be to make urban agriculture by NeighborSpace, a non-profit land and individuals to preserve undevel- much vacant space there,” said Glenda hold items and different herbs to make neighborhood, she said. Local gardens others for flowers, she said. our block a sense of pride,” Jasper sustainable, exclusive of grants, Rhodes trust supported in part by a partnership oped land permanently. Daniel, community greening director shampoos, lotions and other beauty are a way of getting people outside and added. “Gardening especially helps said. Right now, only 13 to 15 percent of the City of Chicago, Chicago Park Sonya Harper and her family, for the youth, giving young people some- for Openlands. “Englewood was once a of Growing Home’s income comes from District and the Forest Preserve District products. At the end of the open house, into each other’s lives. “It helps property values to have a nice manufacturing and railroad center, and they were handed a free basket of pro- example, garden privately through thing to do instead of standing around. its produce, while grants supply the of Cook County, which owns the land. A block east of Wood Street and two garden,” Daniel said. “It makes the the argument [goes] that many places duce. Last April Growing Home invited Openlands, Daniel said. So does Ernie Gardening will teach them a sense of remainder. NeighborSpace acquires sites as public- blocks north, Growing Home owns street safer because there are eyes and will never be as dense as they once the Violence Interrupters, members of Reynolds, 80, who lives at the Bethel responsibility. It has a way of lower- private land trusts, to be used by com- land in the 5600 block of South Her- ears on the street.” w e re .” Planting began on Honore Street in Ceasefire Englewood, an organization Terrace senior center on 63rd Street. ing stress and bringing up pride in the munity groups as gardens and parks. mitage. Now the social enterprise leases Openlands helped him obtain soil and community.” June in a 100-feet-by-30-feet hoop This is its 79th community open space in devoted to teaching people to mediate Just as Growing Home provided input More commercial urban farms on the it to the Hermitage Street Community lumber for raised beds. He and other house: cucumbers, Malabar spinach, the city, but its first urban farm. conflicts and stopping violence in their into the urban production farms part of vacant land would attract more people Garden, where individuals pay $25 for seniors may have planted vegetables in Source: www.street-papers.org / Street- basil, tomatoes, and assorted greens own community. the city ordinance, Openlands advised Wise – USA and, in turn, more housing and busi- were harvested for the first time in “With an array of benefits, from job access to an 8-by-8-foot raised-bed on the more recreational community this spring but been thwarted by the ness until the land can be developed. early July, Rhodes said. Planting for fall training and food security to neighbor- plot, as well as seeds and soil. Cordia gardens portion of the new city code. drought. They might plant lettuce for harvest will begin soon. hood beautification and exercise, urban URBAN FOOD, page 9 Pugh, volunteer community coordina- fall, she said.

www.groundcovernews.org www.groundcovernews.org 10 PERSONAL STORIES PERSONALFeature STORIES 11 Art from addiction From homelessness to a night at the Oscars by Rosette Royale “I’m revisiting lived with him. A year after Brandon’s by Rosette Royale admits she feels responsible for her Real Change – Seattle, USA, 4/21/2014 a lot of experi- death, Ward and Andy ventured to family’s plight: after all, if she had re- ences from Thailand, Nepal, and India. They visited Real Change – Seattle, USA, 4/21/2014 membered to tell her mother to fix din- Earlier this fall, Seattle painter and mu- my life,” Ward Calcutta and volunteered at the Mother As a homeless teen, Inocente dreamed ner, there might not have been a fight. ralist Ryan Henry Ward got a visit from said. Teresa of Calcutta Center. After four of a better life. But she never imagined If there hadn’t been a fight, her father the Mexican revolutionary Emiliano months, Ward and his younger brother her dreams would lead to the Oscars. wouldn’t have been deported, and the Zapata. O, brothers, came home. Then Ward took another family wouldn’t have gone to a shelter. where art solo trip overseas, this time to Southern She lived in San Diego with her Nothing, she says in the movie, would thou? Africa and Southeast Asia. Because Zapata died almost a hundred mother and three younger brothers, change her feelings. years ago, Ward knows that might Ward grew Back in Washington, Ward began a and for years they bounced from the sound implausible. Even if he were up outside The young artist came to learn that the career in social work. He served as a Young Women’s Christian Association alive, how would Zapata have known of Bozeman, recreational therapist for children with (YWCA) to friends’ houses, from the passage of time can shift a fixed per- to find Ward in Ballard, in a small artist Montana, psychological and emotional disorders, Salvation Army to short-lived apart- spective. studio tucked inside a cavernous indus- the middle using art therapy. When that position ment stays. Sometimes Inocente and trial warehouse? child of three ended, he worked in an AIDS hospice, her family, who were all undocumented Inocente is now 19, and she said that, as boys. His dad a job he loved. When that job didn’t pay immigrants from Mexico, slept in a she’s grown up, “I realized it wasn’t my But Ward, 38, had just finished a paint- worked as a the rent, he became a care provider for park. Over the course of nine years, fault.” ing of Zapata, portraying him with welder and his developmentally disabled people. they never stayed in the same place for his handlebar mustache and oversized mom pulled more than three months. Like daughter, like mother sombrero, when the revolutionary came shifts as a “Then I got burned out,” Ward said. to Ward in a vision. Zapata acknowl- waitress. His Perhaps Inocente inherited her propen- Through it all, Inocente, who goes only The film, Inocente, shows Inocente as she prepares for an exhibit at a San Diego non- edged gratitude at being the subject of family lived a sity to dream from her mother. He started a landscape and construc- profit that uses art to create positive transformations for young people facing adversity. a portrait. Then, in a flash – he disap- simple life. by her first name, held on to one partic- Inocente created 30 pieces of work for the show. Her artwork raised $12,000. She says peared. tion business with Andy, building ular dream: being an artist. Her chosen that each painting is “a story.” Photo by Sean Fine In the film, Carmela, speaking Span- retaining walls and installing sprinkler Around the medium was painting, and she favored ish, says that she imagined the U.S. was systems. The work paid well, so when Ward, whose magically surreal murals time he was bright colors. She swirled, dabbed and Arts Center, a nonprofit serving home- Inocente was five. a paradise, a place with no dirt, only Andy bought a four-wheeler, Ward can be found throughout North Seattle, 10, the fam- dribbled paint on any surface she could less youth in Seattle’s University District. grass and flowers. She dreamed that her emulated him and purchased his own. said he felt blessed by the experience. ily relocated find. Often, she painted on her face, Soon after, her father promised her But whereas his brother’s vehicle was children would have a place to live, so Many people, he suggested, have been to Washing- creating detailed flowers on her temple In an interview with Real Change, Ino- mother he’d return for her and the small and lightweight, Ward bought the they could say, “Esta es mí casa.” conditioned to believe visitations by ton, living in or swirling arabesques on her cheek. cente, now 19, said that while she enjoys youngest son. But weeks passed, and biggest four-wheeler on the market. It the deceased are preposterous or that multiple cities. Art brought her joy. working with young artists during her he never went back to Mexico. So Car- weighed almost half a ton. This is my home. otherworldly realms are unreal. Seated Ward and his travels, she can’t watch the film anymore: mela bundled up the child and crossed on a secondhand couch in his unheated older brother, “If people knew my story, they’d prob- Four-wheeling became a form of recre- it’s too painful. the border. The family reunited. Instead, they lived in shelters or on studio, his dog Merlin curled up nearby, Brandon, ation. One evening in February 2007, in ably think I should be painting dark, the streets. Feeling she had failed her Ward conceded that Zapata’s visit might played in a Ryan Henry Ward’s painting of Frida Kahlo includes a self-portrait; the sand dunes near Moses Lake, Andy like dark paintings,” Inocente said. Besides, many things have changed in The reunion produced little joy. Ino- children, Carmela admits that once, have been a figment of his mind. band called Kahlo is holding the head of Ryan Henry Ward. Photo of Ryan Ward’s and some friends took a night ride in her life since 2009, when she met film- cente said that in Mexico, her father when Inocente was 11, she took her painting by Alex Garland Green Moun- People around the United States got makers Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine. had been abusive, a behavior that daughter to a bridge. She told her they “Or maybe it really happened,” he said. their four-wheelers. Ward joined in. tain Boys. the chance to witness part of her story The husband-and-wife team had sought continued in the U.S. One evening, would both jump into the sea. Ino- 150 murals around Seattle. Oftentimes, Brandon wrote lyrics and in 2012, after the MTV premiere of a young, homeless artist who would tell Inocente’s father told her to tell her Lately, there have been a lot of visitors The five of them raced over dunes that cente begged her not to. She pulled her took care of lead vocals, but once, an- the short documentary, Inocente. The her story on film. mother he wanted dinner. But Inocen- to Ward’s studio. The Mexican painter dipped and dived for 3,000 acres. Ward mother back. He said he also wants his art to convey other band mate sang Lennon’s “Work- 40-minute film follows the homeless te, playing with her toys, forgot. When Frida Kahlo stopped by. Henry David knew his brother and his friends’ lighter a message: “To maybe help people that ing Class Hero.” teen as she turns the events of her life Looking back on the experience, Ino- Thoreau showed up; the American tax vehicles were swift, so he pushed his her father realized she hadn’t followed “Ella me dejó,” Carmela says. “She are wealthy in Seattle understand how heavier vehicle to keep up. The others into art. Her artistic passions play out cente said she didn’t mind being followed his orders, Inocente said he beat her. resistor who extoled a simple life close “It’s kind of left this impression in my stopped me.” their actions impact someone in pov- surged into the night. Unable to see against revelations of why she feels re- by cameras for almost 18 months. She’d Carmela stepped in to protect the to nature in his book, Walden. So, too, erty in Calcutta.” The Indian metropolis mind ever since,” Ward said. Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catho- well in the darkness, Ward steered his sponsible for her family’s homelessness; grown used to people looking at her child. Carmela wanted to tell Inocente she is home to the Mother Teresa of Calcut- four-wheeler in the direction of their they also serve as a joyous counterpoint because of her painted face. Besides, she loved her, that she would never harm lic Worker movement, and Mohandas ta Center; a portrait of Mother Teresa is Brandon, too, was leaving an impres- taillights – and careened over a cliff. to Inocente’s strained relationship with feels the movie isn’t about her. “Then all hell broke loose,” Inocente her. But because of the suicide attempt, Gandhi, the Indian leader known for featured in the upcoming show. sion on Ward. Separated in age by his practice of nonviolent disobedience. 18 months, the pair lived together in her mother, Carmela. said. Carmela believed her daughter hated Ward sailed over the handlebars. Even Ward’s deceased brother, Bran- Bellingham, where Ward attended “It puts a face to poor people, to home- her. And in the film, the tension in their As for the exhibit’s title, “Working He crashed into the sand below. The don, made an appearance. Fairhaven College. Brandon became In February, Inocente won an Academy lessness, immigration and arts educa- Her father began beating her mother. relationship comes into focus. Class Hero,” it comes from a song by four-wheeler landed on his back. The Ward’s unofficial art teacher, instructing Award for Best Documentary Short. It tion,” said Inocente. Her mother called the police. Her fa- John Lennon, which Ward played for vehicle’s roll-bar struck his helmet. His Portraits of all of these people were him in color theory and composition in became the first film financed in part ther broke the phone on her mother’s At one point, Inocente became involved inspiration, listening to it on repeat for head ricocheted inside. He lay pinned included in Ward’s upcoming solo painting. The brothers grew close. by Kickstarter, a crowd-funding site, to But the face that helps viewers connect head. Cops arrested her father. Ino- in a San Diego-based nonprofit called A hours. (Yes, there will be a portrait of under nearly a half-ton of rubber and exhibition, “Working Class Hero.” Ward win an Oscar. with those issues belongs to Inocente. It’s cente, her mother and brothers were Reason to Survive (ARTS), which uses Lennon, too.) The lyrics, punctuated by metal. will display 100 paintings, comprised the minor-chord lament of an acoustic Ward said that Brandon was a musi- her story that draws viewers into a young taken to a shelter. art to create positive transformation for of portraits and other work. While cian and painter who, while working The Oscar win changed Inocente’s life. artist’s unflinching commitment to real- guitar, speak of the struggle of staying As he watched four pairs of taillights young people facing adversity. ARTS the exhibit incorporates social justice on farms or construction sites, wanted She had always dreamed of traveling, ize her dream. And it began in Mexico. And her father? true to working-class roots: head off in the distance, Ward screamed staff members selected her to create a pioneers, some of the paintings por- to raise the consciousness of human- and, thanks to the film, she was able to for help. The other four-wheelers sped solo show of 30 works. The family was tray fictional characters, such as Bilbo ity. Then Brandon shifted his direction Across the border “He got deported,” Inocente said. When they’ve tortured and scared on. He screamed louder. The taillights travel the U.S. to advocate for home- living illegally in a garage, and Ino- Baggins from The Hobbit and Spock, somewhat and attended massage school less youth and arts education for young you for 20-odd years/ became faint. Finally, they disappeared. Inocente doesn’t remember entering the cente and her mother got into a fight. the half-Vulcan, half-human officer on to achieve a new goal: “He wanted to Since Carmela was undocumented, Then they expect you to pick a people. On the eve of the show, Inocente told “Star Trek.” heal people.” United States. career/ Ward yelled into the night. Five min- she couldn’t work legally. Having her mother she wanted to move into a Inocente will come to Seattle on Sep- little money made it tough to pay for When you can’t really function utes passed. Ten minutes. Fifteen. Then She was born in a small town in Mexico group home for teens. But there was a It doesn’t bother Ward that the exhibit Doctors, unfortunately, could not heal tember 27 for a series of art-centered an apartment. With no place to live, you’re so full of fear/ it struck him: and lived there with her mother, father hitch: she needed her mother’s permis- places portraits of real people along- Brandon. He had a heart disease, one events. First, she will participate in the family began what Inocente calls side those of imaginary creatures, like and three younger brothers, the young- sion. A working class hero is something that caused his aorta to continually an art workshop for young people 12 “their journey into homelessness.” a smiling Sasquatch. After all, he wants “I realized they weren’t coming back.” est an infant. One day, Inocente said, to be. enlarge as he grew older. In 1999, at and older at the Seattle Art Museum Some nights, when Inocente and her to create work young people will enjoy, her father had her put on her coat, then Carmela refused. the age of 25, Brandon died of a heart (SAM). After a short break, there will brothers slept outside, Carmela stayed he said. The belief that art should speak Lost and found sneaked her and two brothers across the Working on the exhibition has pro- attack. be a screening of the film, followed by a awake so no one would bother the to young people infuses the spirit of duced a time machine of sorts for Ward struggled beneath the four- border into California. He never asked A representative from ARTS con- question-and-answer session. The event family. Ward’s colorful murals, which he signs Ward, merging his past with his pres- Ward was devastated. wheeler, but he couldn’t move. He didn’t permission from her mother. tacted a lawyer to mediate. On camera, is sponsored by Seattle University, in with his middle name, “henry.” In the ent. In the film, the 15-year-old Inocente INOCENTE, page 17 past five years, he estimates he’s painted Ward’s younger brother, Andy, also ADDICTION, page 14 partnership with SAM and Sanctuary “We were basically kidnapped,” she said.

www.GroundcoverNews.orgwww.groundcovernews.com 734-707-9210 www.GroundcoverNews.orgwww.groundcovernews.com 734-707-9210 12 RELATIONSHIPS RELATIONSHIPS 13 A humanistic portrait In the shelter of animals by Al Griffin cerning his past experiences. by Aaron Burkhalter when society has completely devalued ways have bags of cat food nearby, and Real Change – Seattle, 1/13/2014 you,” Irvine said. keep Bella’s carrier lined with blankets Curbside Chronicle – Oklahoma City, Alfonso speaks lovingly of his child- to keep her warm. Friends and Real OK, USA, 11/04/2013 hood homeland, but recognizes that When she started her research, Irvine Change customers help them provide Mexico has changed over the years and Everywhere she goes, Jennifer McSher- ry carries a beige pet carrier. Inside, assumed that the animals went hungry, for her. In 1975, I became interested in the day- he is happy to be living in Oklahoma but found that homeless people didn’t City (OKC). He recently asked me to McSherry’s tuxedo cat, Bella, goes along to-day life of men and women living on for the ride. need the help she offered. “She constantly has a bowl of food,” she the streets. Their existence seemed so photograph him with his shopping cart said. different, their struggles and victories and possessions. He said that, when he “They had more food than they could gets off the street, he wants to have a McSherry, 48, and her fiancé, Derek so foreign to the offices and houses, Hutchinson, 40, were forced to leave carry,” Irvine said. “I thought I was go- McSherry has been homeless before, the commutes and coffee breaks, the way to always remember this moment ing to be this big hero and give out this and said she spent most of her time in life. their Kent apartment in the spring, dinner parties and Little League games when the rent went up $50. Bringing pet food, but they already had plenty.” sitting in a library. But this time, with of other people. I read newspaper ac- Art Bella with them, they slept in the alley Bella, she’s motivated to sell papers and counts about the plight of the homeless behind Queen Anne Liquor and Wine, She discovered that in many cases, find housing. I met Art on Film Row in OKC. Our in America, but these articles offered under the Ballard Bridge and, most homeless people are more attentive to first handshake brought forth a quick me nothing except statistics. I yearned recently, in the Roy Street Shelter in Se- their pets. “She gives us a reason to keep going smile, immediately revealing his cheer- for something more. I wanted a more attle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. and trying,” McSherry said. “She’s the humanistic portrait of the homeless. ful disposition. An extremely affable “Having a home doesn’t necessarily reason that we bother anymore, that we fellow, I’ve watched Art give advice to Outreach workers met McSherry and mean you’re a good animal caretaker,” stay away from drugs. She’s the reason In the early 90s, in Atlanta, I began go- strangers as they puzzle the complexi- Hutchinson under the Ballard Bridge Irvine said. we stay sober.” ing out in the morning to meet people ties of new parking meters downtown living on the street. Sitting down on a and offered them space at the shelter. and offer directions to visitors lost on Housed dogs often sit for hours at home Lakesha Johnson, 37, said she had the curb or a park bench, I introduced my- the sidewalk. Art has taught me that by themselves. Homeless people have same experience when she was home- self, shook hands, and asked these men The couple agreed, under one condi- Forced to leave their apartment, Jennifer Clockwise from upper left, Alfonso, Jim, and Art. Photos by Al Griffin circumstances in life do not have to McSherry, her fiancé Derek Hutchinson their pets with them all day. less with Roxy, a Jack Russell Ter- and women how they were doing. I tion: “If you take one of us, you’ve got control our attitude. and their cat, Bella, lived behind a Queen rier. Johnson volunteers at the Doney found that despite their need for money to take us all,” McSherry said. “And that have since photographed people living without a house, without healthcare, or Anne liquor store. Now they live in the “They get 24-7 attention, exercise and Memorial Pet Clinic, a veterinary clinic and food, what they needed more than Jim includes Bella.” on the streets in Atlanta, Washington, without transportation. When we open Roy Street Shelter. fresh air,” Irvine said. at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission for anything was simple, human contact. At D.C., New York City, Seattle, Van- our eyes, we can see that, as people, we I first encountered Jim busking at the homeless and low-income people. the core of our interaction was a desire On a recent Tuesday morning, Mc- couver, Chicago, and San Francisco. really are no different. Only our cir- corner of Walker and 3rd. He was play- Visible animals to be recognized as an equal, with a Sherry sold copies of Real Change at everything else. In return, she gets un- Recently, I created a portrait series of cumstances differ. ing his wooden flute, waiting for people She was homeless in 2008 and trying to mind and a spirit. Northwest Market Street and 22nd Av- conditional love and inspiration. Kara Main-Hester, spokesperson for men living on the streets of Oklahoma to pass by and drop spare change into kick a heroin habit. She credits Roxy for enue Northwest in Ballard while Bella, The Seattle Animal Shelter, said the or- City. Their faces reflect experience and Alfonso his hat. I soon found out that, in ad- helping her get sober. I got to know them through their secure in her harness, nuzzled into a “She’s our reason for getting up in the ganization often gets calls from people wisdom, pain and suffering, joy and dition to being a musician, Jim is also stories and their histories of travel Born near Mexico City, Alfonso fol- pile of blue blankets. Some customers morning and selling the papers,” she worried by the sight of an animal with triumph. an enthusiastic conversationalist. His “When homeless people get pets, it and labor. I began to photograph the lowed migrant agricultural work from petted Bella, but McSherry said many said. a homeless person. The Seattle Animal men and women I met and paid them the Pacific Northwest to the South. As hands never stop moving as he recounts passersby criticized her for keeping the shows them they really got something We ask ourselves, “What can we do for his lengthy history of jobs all across Shelter sends officers to check on every a small fee for modeling. Although I age and health concerns slowed his cat while being homeless. Unique relationships to live for,” Johnson said. the homeless?” America. While Jim speaks hesitantly of call, she said, but often finds the ani- do regular street photography, I never ability to earn money, Alfonso found mals are as well-cared for as those that the darker chapters of his life, his face Leslie Irvine, a University of Colorado Roxy, she said, could tell when she was “stole” images of the people I photo- My answer is simple: allow yourself to himself living on the streets of Okla- Once, a woman offered to adopt Bella live in homes. graphed. I visited with them first and homa City. lights up when he recounts his days of from McSherry and bring her indoors. sociology professor and author of on drugs. see them. They are not invisible. Begin steady work and an old companion in a “My Dog Always Eats First: Homeless treated the shoot just like any portrait with a smile, a handshake, and a few McSherry refused the woman’s offer of It’s just that they’re out in the open. Alfonso maintains a strong sense of far-off town. People and Their Animals,” said ani- “They know the difference,” Johnson sitting. Afterwards, I made 5x7 prints of minutes of conversation. These simple money. She couldn’t put a price on her faith and finds joy in life despite rough mals provide a unique relationship for said, “because they know the real you.” the photos for them to keep. actions lay the foundation for equal- cat. “When individuals are homeless, they circumstances. He is gifted with an Source: www.street-papers.org / Curb- homeless people, who are often ignored ity. We are a country of people who are are much more visible with their ani- I fell in love with the experience and ability to find deep meaning in life’s side Chronicle – USA by society. Source: www.street-papers.org / Real perhaps one paycheck away from being “She’s our baby,” McSherry said. “She mals,” she said. “A dog in a backyard simplicities and tells lively stories con- means everything to us.” Change – USA “To feel loved and needed by another with a fence is harder to see.” McSherry said she puts Bella before being just the way you are really goes Volunteering at home takes real courage a long way when you’re in a situation McSherry said she and Hutchinson al- by Laurie Green question in my heart something that their new apartment with enough to of our efforts, we want them to be a The Contributor – Nashville, USA, has bothered me for many years. Not turn it into a home. success. After all, we took time out 4/01/2014 being a regular attendee of any church, from work. We spent our weekend. Helping at home is messy and the destination is not exotic I do not keep up with the various mis- So why do so many feel that to conduct Our money went into this project. And continued from page 12 about. And while I am sometimes asked zeroed in on the weaknesses. And your want, rather than accepting that not all “It is often easier to become outraged sions conducted by all of the congrega- a mission trip they must leave their it is natural, I guess, to want to see the going to that foreign country for a mis- to pick them up once more, I am also ego gets put away and all you begin to endings will be as you want, that is the by injustice half a world away than tions here in Nashville. So when my state or their country, when so many fruits of our labor. But sometimes what sion trip? You are right; I don’t know asked not to keep score. And that is focus on is that you want better for this fatal flaw that will send you back home by oppression and discrimination mother mentioned that her church was just a few miles down the road need we think is our right to expect is, in the your inner thoughts. And perhaps in hard for us humans to do; scorekeeping person you are helping. and wanting something tidier. But what half a block from home.” sending a team over to a foreign coun- them so much? Is it easier to never end, our ego. I think it is harder to help the end, it is that we helped at all that is a national pastime. my Creator has finally gotten through try to help build a school, I replied that know how the story will end? When someone who you just might end up really matters. I also suspect the ending paragraph to my head is to accept all journeys as – Carl T. Rowan, Pulitzer Prize- they could save a lot of fundraising time you leave your mission and travel building a relationship with. Because Helping close to home is messy, and you think you will read. I won’t make having endings I have no right to call. winning journalist and send that same team to some of hundreds, even thousands of miles back then you see their flaws, and they see But I do hurt when I see civic groups the destination is not exotic. Heck, you it that easy. Recently, someone I spent Until then, it is never over, and what Perhaps you know you are dipping your the areas I am in daily. Areas just a few home you will always think that the yours. You realize that some of what put and churches head off somewhere far pass the area every day on your way to years trying to help fell all the way to appears as a failure may instead be a toe into rough waters when you put a miles away, where the poverty is over- results of your efforts were a success. them in the situation they are in was of away when I know of so many here in your office. There is risk in the actual the bottom. Someone I shed countless slow victory. And maybe I won’t even disclaimer at the beginning. But I feel whelming. We have schools just a few The ending is wrapped up and the bow their own doing, and in our mind, that our town who need them. And all that building of what may become a rela- tears worrying about. They ended up know when the victory is awarded to the need to do so. I do try very hard blocks away from our offices, where the is tied tight. I know some who have vol- is something they just need to muster I have said, I have said because it has tionship, because in knowing who you in prison for a cruel and stupid crime. this person. But until the last person in to be a follower of Christ’s teachings. I playground equipment is not even safe unteered with Southern Alliance for People up some willpower and change. Some- been my journey to where I am now. are helping, the flaws and warts you Forget fruits of my labor. For now it my own backyard is fed, is housed, or is know that there is no difference in how to play on. Where the students need and Animal Welfare. SAFPAW have gotten one in a foreign country – why, you My ego once got angry when the fruits both have will eventually be seen. They would seem that my efforts were in no longer lonely, I will not get on that our Creator sees me and someone in help just making sure they have food to angry when someone we helped last could not even understand anything of my labor did not grow and show off might see that the person helping them vain. But helping someone is never in plane. a faraway land, whose native tongue I eat daily. We have senior citizens who year is back in the same situation. They other than a very basic conversation, so all that I had done. I admit it. But the has no rags-to-riches story to tell, and vain; the pain comes when you can’t could not understand. I know that if sit in the den of their tiny apartment… felt their time was wasted. When they getting to know both the halo and the God I follow was patient with me, and you might have to get past what you ignore that the ending you wanted was Laurie Green is the founder and direc- one believes at all in the sanctity of life, they never see a soul until they venture discovered that their efforts did not horns they wear was not even possible. made me realize that the journey’s end feel are behaviors they could put aside, replaced by a selfish crime. tor of Southern Alliance For People & then that reverence must be given to all out to the food bank. And they are have a happy-ever-after ending, they for that person was up to them, not me. if they wanted to badly enough. Then, Animal Welfare, a 501(c)(3) non-profit with an indifference to race, creed or dying from loneliness. We have thou- were not happy. Now, you may be reading this and get- All I was asked to do was plant seeds. as time goes on, you get past that stage In putting this out there for all to see, organization. nationality. sands of our brothers and sisters who ting angry at what you think is my ego. Water them a bit. The growing part and you see only a human being before I do not want anyone to feel that the are homeless, who could use a team you And even though this will sound harsh, How dare I assume your motivation for was up to a power a whole lot greater you. Both of you do. You see faults, effort is not worth it. I certainly don’t Source: www.street-papers.org / The I know that and I believe that. Yet I also put together to host an evening of food this is called ego. Our ego needs to than me, and it was not for me to worry and you see tragedies. You begin to see feel that way, not anymore. The effort is Contributorww – USA and fellowship. Or some folks to fill up know that if we are to see the results HELPING, page 13 strengths in each other; you had already worth it. It is making up the ending you

www.groundcovernews.org www.groundcovernews.org 14 INSPIRATION THINK ABOUT IT 15 Artist’s journey of recovery from addiction Summer schools focus on racism continued from page 10 free. Soon after, Ward’s brother and his Labor & Industries, the state’s work- kicked his heroin habit. Now, he’s been continued from page 4 From Mississippi to Seattle’s Central session called “Know Your Rights with and Lopez were a couple and there had friends arrived. Ward had been trapped place safety organization, covered his sober 20 months. District the Police.” not been an altercation. ted of murder. (The suspect in Martin’s experience any physical pain from the for 30 minutes. health care. To combat the pain of the slaying, George Zimmerman, was also Empowering people sits at the core of For 90 minutes, three group members Both said police continued to question vehicle on top of him. Or if he did, his injury, a doctor wrote Ward a prescrip- “It’s been quite a journey,” Ward said. acquitted of manslaughter.) freedom schools – programs often as- instructed other attendees on what to them, as well as another friend who was mind couldn’t process it. But he could Even though he could stand and walk, tion: 60 milligrams of morphine a day. sociated with the civil rights movement. say and how to interact with a police in the car. Lopez said she continued to feel the vehicle pushing him deeper into he knew he’d suffered severe injuries. The shining Discussing the deaths of Till and He considered going to the emergency “When I was on it, it was fine,” Ward In 1963, when most black Southerners officer during a stop. Group members tell the officer she and Lee-Butler were the sand. Back in his Ballard art studio, Ward Martin, Lee-Butler said, caused him to room, but ruled it out. “I didn’t have said. were denied the right to vote, many paired up to take part in a role play, one only talking. Eventually, all four officers perched on the lip of a couch. Jugs of think a lot about how his racial makeup health insurance and didn’t think I schools in the south remained segre- impersonating an officer, the other a ci- left. His breathing grew labored. Each inhale acrylic paint covered a nearby table, could make him a target of violence. could afford to go,” he said. But while the pain persisted, the pre- gated. Shortly after that year’s March vilian. Throughout the session, students became shorter. Ward felt his life being and an empty easel stood under a bright scription ran out. When Ward asked for on Washington when Martin Luther recalled their interactions with police. Lopez said remembering that incident crushed out of him. And he could smell light. It was while painting canvases on “What can you do in this world of Tra- Instead, he recuperated at home. He refills, his doctor advised him to wean King, Jr. delivered his, “I Have a Dream” still makes her angry. She felt as if the gasoline. the easel that he received visits from vyon Martin?” Lee-Butler asked. “What suffered from amnesia. Excruciating himself from pills. He couldn’t. Instead, speech, activist Charles Cobb proposed But some stories came later. police treated her, Lee-Butler and their Zapata and some of the other subjects can you do not to be an enemy?” back pain relegated him to bed rest, he he bought painkillers off the street. running free, alternative schools for the friend unfairly because they were all Ward went into panic mode. His mind in “Working Class Hero.” The visitation Days after freedom school ended, Lee- said, so he contacted friends to acquire black residents of Mississippi. people of color. focused on an unbelievable thought: that most affected him occurred with Andrea Lopez, who participated in Butler and Lopez both recalled a police painkillers. Since Ward couldn’t sit or During this time, Ward pursued his “Oh, my God, I’m gonna die under his deceased brother, Brandon. Freedom School and is Mexican-Amer- run-in last year in the Central District. When it happened, she said she an- stand for long periods, he was unable to artwork. He got his first show at The The following summer, often referred h e re .” ican, offered a solution: make attending swered every question the officer asked. hold down a job. All he could do was lie Orange Spot, a now-defunct art gallery to as “Freedom Summer,” Mississippi “I spent the whole day bawling my head Freedom School a requirement. “Even The couple had a tiff while in a car, She said that because of Freedom in bed, where he found that even with in Ballard. He bought a Chevy truck for was the site of more than 40 freedom As if he were viewing a cinematic mon- off,” Ward said. for police,” Lopez, 19, added. Lopez said, so she stepped out to cool School, she now knows she can ask an tage, Ward saw his life pass before him. the pain, he could paint. $400, and a friend gave him a camper. schools, held in churches and on back off. As she walked down the street, Lee- He hauled the camper near Gasworks Lee-Butler said that at Freedom School, porches. Volunteer teachers focused on officer if she’s being detained and she It struck him as funny that he’d spent so Along with providing access to other Butler drove next to her, then stopped “It was the only thing I could think of Park and lived inside. He started he and Lopez, who are dating, both literacy, academic skills and black his- can tell him she has the right to remain much time worrying about life, when, realms, art, Ward said, can bring people the car and got out to talk, she said. He doing that could make money,” he said. dumpster-diving and fixed communal tory, and they empowered students to silent. suddenly so close to death, he realized together. He’ll put this second belief learned to conquer their fear of public hugged her. meals in the park. become socially active in their commu- none of the worrying mattered. to practice later this month, when he speaking. At the event at City Hall, un- Lopez said Freedom School taught her Six months after the accident, he sought nities. Older students, some of whom opens a space in the Greenwood Col- der the gaze of council members Mike “Then four cops pulled up, and they more than she imagined: “Now I know medical attention. X-rays and MRIs “Once I moved into the neighborhood,” were in their 70s and 80s, were encour- “I had this cosmic opening,” he said. lective that he’ll call the Quadrupus O’Brien, Nick Licata and Sally Bagshaw, pulled her away,” Lee-Butler said. I can stand up for myself.” revealed the four-wheeler had crushed he said, “people were knocking on my “I saw the [celestial] spheres and the Gallery. The gallery will showcase an and city attorney Pete Holmes, Lee-But- aged to vote. At the time, freedom a disc between two lumbar vertebrae camper door wanting to get to know Lopez said she and Lee-Butler hadn’t cosmic universe.” artist from another city, say Milwaukee, ler spoke about the importance of edu- school organizers estimated that more Source: www.street-papers.org / Real while injuring other discs. But his body me, wanting me to be part of that com- been yelling or physically fighting, but in exchange for a Seattle artist showing cation for young people of mixed race, than 3,500 people attended. Change – USA had been healing. munity.” Ward gave in. He accepted his own im- work in the companion city. while Lopez talked about the struggles an officer asked if her boyfriend had minent death. poor people face paying for college. One tenet of 60s-era freedom schools struck her. She told him no. Soon after the test results, he felt strong After the show, he struck a deal with was finding the power in personal As for the term Quadrupus, it’s a name enough to work and, living outside The Orange Spot owner, who priced stories, an aspect that carried over to Lee-Butler said that an officer asked “Then this 16-year-old kid jumped out Ward bestowed on a being he created “How are we supposed to provide for Seattle, he got another care provider Ward’s pieces under $100. For more the programs Lopez and Lee-Butler at- him about the nature of his relation- of a pickup and threw the four-wheeler and painted on the side of his van. ourselves and get out of the poverty off of me,” he said. job. He took his young client swimming than a year, the gallery sold his artwork, cycle?” she asked the crowd of nearly 70 tended this summer. On the workshop’s ship with Lopez and if there had been one day and jumped in the pool with sometimes three pieces a week. Ward violence. He said he told the officer he “It’s like an octopus, but with four legs,” people. fifth day, attendees participated in a him. The impact of hitting the water earned enough to buy art supplies and The teen had been driving in the dunes. he said. He was so skinny, Ward couldn’t figure reinjured Ward’s back. dog food for Merlin. Child psychiatrists in short supply out how he lifted the four-wheeler. Pos- Recently, Ward gave up his West Seattle Because the injury happened on the job, When the recession shuttered the gal- translate to poorer schools and fewer In medical school, child and adolescent “Everybody gets sick and needs care, sibly an adrenaline rush. But Ward was apartment. Like Thoreau, one of his he- continued from page 3 lery, Ward struck another deal, this community services.” psychiatrists are taught to take time to so it’s not like you’re doing the wrong roes, Ward wanted a simpler life. Now time with the owner of the Triangle get to know patients and to reach out thing treating these people. They need he lives in the van and sleeps inside on AACAP has found a shortage of provid- Lounge: Ward would paint over the These disparities persist throughout the to the various caregivers in their lives help, too, and they are able to pay for a Tempur-Pedic mattress. He manages ers in every state. graffiti-covered exterior in exchange for country. The communities most in need Groundcover Vendor Code his back pain through walking and to learn how they function in the real the time. To be honest, treating people free food. He got other mural gigs by Even Massachusetts, which has the tend to have the least access to mental world, Shatkin said. when you have the time is a delight,” meditation. health services. The problem becomes While Groundcover News is a nonprofit to or buy papers from other Groundcov- knocking on doors. highest per-capita ratio of child and Shatkin said. adolescent psychiatrists, falls short of self-perpetuating. “We all started with the best inten- organization and newspaper vendors er News vendors, especially vendors who Two weeks before “Working Class are considered contracted self-employers, have been suspended or terminated. “I think I did 26 murals before I got meeting the need in many communi- tions, but it becomes very difficult to That is of little comfort to the low- Hero” was scheduled to open, Ward we still have expectations of how vendors • I agree to treat all customers, staff paid,” he said. income families struggling to cope with still had more portraits to complete. ties, said Stuart Goldman, senior as- should conduct themselves while selling and and other vendors respectfully. I will sociate in psychiatry and co-director of their children’s emotional issues. The representing the paper. not“hard sell,” threaten, harass or pres- He trusted his intuition would guide All the while, he was still addicted to current economic climate has deepened sure customers, staff, or other vendors him to future subjects. Whether they’re the Mood Disorder Program at Boston painkillers. The truck and camper got The following list is our Vendor Code of verbally or physically. imaginary or real doesn’t matter to him. Children’s Hospital. the problem, as it has placed added Conduct, which every vendor reads • I will not sell Groundcover News under towed. He couldn’t afford to pay the “We all started with the best intentions, strain on both family budgets and so- and signs before receiving a badge and pa- the influence of drugs or alcohol. tickets and tow fee, so he stayed with That shortage is compounded by an What is more important, Ward said, cial services. pers. We request that if you discover • I understand that I am not a legal his parents for a while. Then he saved unequal distribution along socioeco- but it becomes very difficult to practice a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, employee of Groundcover News but a is the sense of gratitude he feels when enough to buy a van. Unable to afford nomic lines, with the majority of child Thirty years ago, community mental please contact us and provide as many details contracted worker responsible for my people and beings come to him during psychiatry the way you know you to buy more drugs on the street, he sold health centers provided local counsel- as possible. Our paper and our vendors own well-being and income. the artistic process. The subjects express and adolescent psychiatrists practicing should be posively impacting our County. • I understand that my badge is property the van for heroin. He lived out of his should practice psychiatry when you are ing services to residents in their own themselves through his paintbrush, in affluent communities, Goldman said. of Groundcover News and will not backpack: “In my mind I’d rationalized neighborhoods, Goldman recalled. so when he does a portrait of Gandhi, so crammed with patients.” All vendors must agree to the following code of deface it. I will present my badge when it all as romantic,” he said. While many wealthy neighborhoods of “Many dried up in the 1990s, and more conduct: purchasing the papers. his benevolent nature permeates the Boston have an abundance of private- • I agree to stay off private property when portrait. He said he wants people to dried up in the economic downturn of As he gained attention for murals practice and outpatient hospital physi- • Groundcover News will be distributed selling Groundcover News. experience the nature of Gandhi or the last five years,” he said. populated with unicorns and mermaids cians, areas like South Boston, Dorches- for a voluntary donation of $10 for the • I understand to refrain from selling on Lennon or Spock or Zapata when they Anthology. I agree not to ask for more public buses, federal property or stores and gnomes and crows, Ward battled ter, and Roxbury do not have many Many doctors who start out in a clinic “While we want to be a society that pro- than ten dollars or solicit donations by unless there is permission from the see the painting. practice psychiatry the way you know addiction and slept in parks. Once, to local providers. setting quickly become overwhelmed tects and cares for the least fortunate . . any other means. owner. look presentable for a TV interview, he you should practice psychiatry when . in tough budget times, the services for • I will only sell current issues of Ground- • I agree to stay at least one block away “If the spirit of that person didn’t shine by the heavy caseload, Shatkin said. bought a pair of pants at Fred Meyer. “One of the issues is that kids who are you are so crammed with patients,” he cover News. from another vendor. I will also abide by through to me,” Ward said, “how can it indigent care and for child care suffer,” The next day he returned them for the living in poverty have higher mental explained. • I agree not to sell additional goods or the Vendor corner policy. shine through to the audience?” As part of his residency training, Shat- Goldman said. products when selling the paper or to health problem rates,” said Goldman. cash because he needed the money. kin worked in an Arkansas clinic where In the end, many practitioners opt to panhandle, including panhandling with If you see any Groundcover News vendors “Just the problem of being poor is a Source: www.street-papers.org / Spare Source: www.street-papers.org / Real- he says he routinely saw 15 patients a leave the clinic setting. Instead, they only one paper. not abiding by the code of conduct, please The murals and artwork earned him challenge, but they also live in com- Change News - USA • I will wear and display my badge when report the activity to: Change – USA day, 10 new patients a week, and still open up private practices where pa- money – not a lot, but enough – and munities with lower property taxes and selling papers. [email protected] had a six-month waiting list. tients can afford to pay service-based • I will only purchase the paper from 734-707-9210 he was able to rent a West Seattle lower housing costs, which typically fees. Groundcover News Staff and will not sell apartment. And he achieved a goal: he

www.groundcovernews.org www.groundcovernews.org 16 SOCIETY & ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY & ENVIRONMENT 17 Journalist Alan Weisman discusses overpopulation Inocente at the Oscars continued from page 5 kind of a breeding territory for what we Pope Benedict XVI issued an encycli- man population? continued from page 11 And the Oscar goes to… ners get 30 seconds from the time their Oscar chocolate,” she said, “so hopefully here refer to as terrorists. And this is a cal [a papal letter addressing Catholic name is called until the stage micro- they don’t mind too much.” on the planet was limited to relatively When Inocente heard the film was country that is a nuclear power. Kind of doctrine], and he said there’s enough AW: Every religion, just like every phone turns off and the music swells.) few plants that had roots which could mother and daughter sit quietly in a nominated for an Academy Award, she scary. for everybody, if we got very creative. I nation, starts out with this mandate Since the win, she said she’s continued fix nitrogen: beans, legumes. Artificial room as the adults discuss the benefits didn’t know what to think. After all, went and asked a couple of questions. to be fruitful and multiply. It’s a strat- Sean Fine motioned to Inocente and to paint. She supports herself by selling nitrogen fertilizer just blew the lid off of Inocente entering the group home. she’d never seen an Oscars telecast. RR: Before I get to some of your One was obvious: How could they still egy: have a bunch of kids, so you can said, “[She] was homeless just a year her artwork on her website, inocenteart. what nature does. All this extra plant The mother weeps. points, I want to ask: Now that we’re be denying that we have a population be the biggest nation or tribe or reli- ago, and now she’s standing in front of com. The walls in her current apart- life suddenly could grow, and we used Filmmakers Sean Fine and Andrea at seven-plus billion people, is there problem [and keep saying that] con- gion around. So, all religions start out all of you,” he said. “She’s an artist and ment have close to 40 paintings, half of it to feed ourselves. And three relatively “Adelante, Inocente,” Carmela says. “Go Nix Fine had. Their previous film, War an optimal number of people? traception is a sin? They had lots of as polygamous. Abraham, Isaac and all of you are artists.” He asked them to which are unfinished. When she moves rare weeds in prehistory – wheat, corn, a h e a d .” Dance, had been nominated in 2008 answers, and they also had answers for Jacob were polygamous; Muhammad support arts education. in with her mother and brothers later rice – were proliferating. for Best Documentary. Inocente said AW: There probably is, but there are a how we were going to feed everybody. was polygamous. Then they get very this year, she said they’ll have to find Scenes like that, Inocente said by the filmmakers passed their excitement few ways to consider what that opti- numerous, very fast, and the extremists Keeping her balance in her heels, Ino- space for her art. The next step was in the 1960s, with phone, are hard to watch. When the about the nomination on to her. They mum would be. But one they could not answer because in those religions don’t grow with the cente said she attended the Vanity Fair what we call the Green Revolution, documentary was made, she didn’t see even provided her a ticket to sit with they hadn’t thought about it [was]: times. post-Oscar Party. Three-time Oscar Along with painting, Inocente said she which was the result of crossbreed- many of Carmela’s scenes being filmed. movie stars on the main floor of the First, I dismiss the opinions that we do When the pope says we have enough winner Daniel Day Lewis gave her a loves traveling and meeting people at ing plants: we weren’t inserting genes, Watching the movie, Inocente learned Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. not have a problem with the number of food to feed everybody, who’s he talking But I talked to a lot of different people kiss. When she saw Adrian Brody, a screenings. After a recent guest stint but we were selecting plants for their how much her mother cared for her, the people. There are pro-growth econo- about? Is he talking about just hu- from different religions, and it turns out Best Actor winner in 2002 for The Pia- as a circus clown, she said she wants genetic qualities. Among the qualities pride she felt. Inocente said she was nervous that mists who always talk about the more man beings, or is he talking about the that many religions have in their histo- nist, she told him she liked his nose. to travel with a circus for a year. Even was shorter plants, so they’d be putting night, particularly because of her shoes. people, the better, partly because it’s other animals, our companions on this ries or their liturgies – it’s in the Quran, though she rarely paints her face any- more energy into grain rather than long Inocente only lived in the group home “I don’t wear heels, and I had these big more consumers, but what they’re really planet, without whom we could not it’s in the Bible, it’s in the Buddhist lit- “I think he was a little creeped-out,” she more, she liked the idea of colored hair, stalk. Dwarf wheat varieties suddenly for six months, then stayed with her heels on,” she said. talking about is that supply of cheap survive? We are part of an ecosystem, erature – a mandate to take care of the said. so she bought a purple wig. She plans to changed the world, and it was rather labor. Then those poor people compete and our whole food supply and all Earth, and to take care of our children mother again before an ARTS staff opportune because by then, our popu- member co-signed for Inocente to get Then actor Kerry Washington an- wear it in Seattle. with each other for salaries that are kinds of other things all depend upon and be responsible to them. And a lot Still, the formerly-homeless teen en- lation on the planet had risen to a little an apartment. She’s been there two nounced Inocente as the documentary oftentimes really depressed, if not just an ecosystem for pollination, for hold- of rabbis, priests, evangelical Christians, joyed Tinseltown’s glamour and glitz. When she was homeless, Inocente said under half of what it is today. And even years but plans to move into another short-winner. imams, Buddhist monks don’t have a Accustomed to wearing jeans and she never predicted her life would ex- then, people were starting to get very, apartment – with her mother. problem with contraception. casual shirts, Inocente dressed up in an very nervous. Inocente followed the filmmakers onto perience such a turnaround: “So this is off-white evening gown, on loan from “About the time kids are moving out,” the stage. On the off-chance the film definitely a dream.” In the Islamic Republic of Iran, they an L.A. stylist. There’s a famous book that came out in “Here we are at 7.2 billion [people], Inocente said, “I’ll be moving back in.” might win, they had discussed what realized [that] after encouraging huge Source: www.street-papers.org / Real 1968 written by Paul and Anne Ehrlich to say during their few seconds. (Win- population growth, they were basically She spilled chocolate on it, “But it’s Change – USA called The Population Bomb. In the heading toward 11 billion. We’re not going to be Pakistan: too many men preface, they said that we’ve reached going to make it. It’s going to get and unable to employ them all. So they the point that, unless there’s an agri- reversed course, including issuing a Alan Weisman interview on overpopulation cultural miracle, we’re going to have very, very problematic.” fatwa saying that if wisdom dictates continued from page 16 with us. I think what we really want to bigger project that I bargained for. I’m sapiens myself, it’s hard not to react widespread famine in the 1970s. Well, you’ve hit the number of kids you can lo and behold, there was this agricul- do is stick around. There’s an interview still alive, but there were times where I emotionally. But I’ve realized that my take care of, there’s nothing in the with someone from the Voluntary [Hu- wondered if the book would finish me species is too much of a good thing, and tural miracle. Today, a lot of economists Quran that says you can’t use anything ghanistan and Iraq, we could spend that like to say that the Green Revolution man] Extinction Movement. before I finished the book. we are overwhelming the system that plain inhuman. ing water in the soil, for seed spreading, from condoms to a vasectomy or tubal money per year to buy contraception disproved the Ehrlichs and disproved supports us. That can’t go on forever. for insect devouring. There’s a whole lot ligation. And Iran, using the blessing for everybody on the planet who wants the economist Thomas Robert Malthus His belief and his organization’s is that RR: I hope this isn’t too personal of a I think that we’re in a make-or-break We’ve got another contingent that we get from an ecosystem. And it turns of its high mullah of Islam, was able to it. It’s a little over $8 billion. That’s not a st who, coincidentally in 1798 – the same we’ve just gone too far, and the human question: How big is your family? century right now. Here in the 21 thinks we’re not anywhere near the op- out that nobody had an answer for that turn around their population growth lot money these days. year that Jenner invented the small- presence on this planet is destroying century, there’s no way we can continue timal population, people who say that one. rather quickly. So as always, religion is a AW: My wife and I had a daughter, pox vaccine – postulated that because everything. Not only are we destroying on with what’s going on with the at- there’s plenty of food on this planet, double-edged sword. RR: You talk about one great form of our own future, but other species’. So and, unfortunately, she died in infancy. mosphere and temperatures. There are population grows exponentially [and] and we could feed everybody if we just The same story is in both Judeo-Chris- birth control: educated women. crop production grows arithmetically, the main idea is to just stop procreat- only so many tricks to grow more food. shared better. Well, first of all, we’re tian history and in the Quran. We start But I specifically talked to [representa- It’s one of life’s tragedies. They hit us all. population growth is going to always ing, and we can have the Garden of Rice is probably the most important not going to do that. Most food today out on the planet, God says, “Be fruitful tives of] a lot of religions for this book AW: It’s the best contraception of all. We had some pregnancies after that, outstrip food production. Eden restored on the planet. food on the planet, given the number is grown, not for feeding people, but and multiply.” That’s Genesis, Chapter because I don’t think the way to really but none of them lasted. In retrospect, of people who depend on it. A lot of because it’s a commodity. It’s something 2. By Genesis, Chapter 5, God is already deal with the problems we are facing The educated woman, she tends to I wish we would’ve pursued adoption. I go to the places where famine was Well, after I heard that, I thought it was people would be ruined if the seas rise. that people sell for profit. They’re not is sick of us. Our excesses are beyond is to have some world government tell stay in school till her studies are done, Adoption agencies don’t like the idea averted: India and Pakistan. That means interesting because on the one hand, Do we have the money to put dikes all going to give away their commodity for anything, and He’s going to flood the people, “You have to stop doing what before child bearing. Most educated that I travel so much, and we thought that people who would’ve otherwise it sounded like a bunch of crap, but on along Asia and the Philippine Islands? free. I wish it were the case, but they place and start over. But He strikes this you were doing.” That’s not going to women tend to have one or two kids. about foreign adoption, but I’ve worked died of famine lived to have more the other hand, it was describing what don’t. So the idea of being equitable deal with Noah: “OK, let’s save a couple fly everywhere. But if I could discover in a lot of countries where my col- children, and those children then lived my book was. And I’m really not ready It’s hard to grasp this, because you and and sharing has always been more ideal of good people and start it over, right.” a way where, within their own belief It’s such an enormous benefit, because leagues are incensed that their coun- to have more children. Today India for humans to go extinct. I like Homo I were born in the midst of the popula- than reality. [Pause.] I’m sorry if you But what does He tell Noah? “You can systems, they had allowances in time of if population declines, we’re going to tries have become baby farms to the is about to surpass China as the most sapiens. I’m married to one. tion explosion. This is what we think of find that depressing. save your sons, and you can save their need? Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, they’re have fewer kids but this big bubble of U.S. It was hard for us to deal with that. populous nation on the planet. And as normal. But it’s very abnormal. And wives and you can save their children. all polygamists, and then you get down old people. There’s going to be labor is- So there were these astronomical Looking back now, I wish we’d done it, Pakistan has one of the fastest birth it’s creeping up ever-so-slightly. RR: It’s not that I find it depressing, But you also have to save all the ani- to Joseph, one of 13 kids of Jacob’s: he sues. Who’s going to do the work? Well, numbers, and they’re just too hard to anyway. rates in the world, and it’s one of the but we always say how much we share. mals. You cannot have a world without is very observant, and he realizes the having all these educated women, we’re grasp. So I did some long division. And places that scares me the most. They’ve Fortunately, contraception is the tech- them.” world is entering a time a scarcity. He tapping into this wonderful resource we it turned out that every four-and-a-half But that brings up something else. got between 185 and 190 million people nology we have: it’s cheap, and there are AW: That’s a fallacy. [He chuckles.] Yes, only has one wife, two kids, and he have. Here we are at 7.2 billion [peo- days, we’re adding a million people to People who think that large families are today, and they’re the size of Texas. By wonderful side benefits. Educate a lot of people donate to charities, but to really Later on I went to India. The Hindus counsels the Israelites and the Pharaoh ple], heading toward 11 billion. We’re the planet. That got my attention, and beautiful can still have them. The one the end of the century, they’re going to women, and they become contributors spread the wealth equitably? It’s not are the same way. They’ve got this huge of Egypt that this is a time to refrain not going to make it. It’s going to get that got a lot of readers’ attention. So natural resource we’re not running out have many more people than the Unit- to societies and economies. happening. It’s out of sight, out of mind. pantheon of different faces of God, and from embracing so much. I think that very, very problematic. I left that hanging at the end of The of is kids who need a home. So adop- ed States has now, and they’re still going Look: if there were enough food to feed most of them are animals. They see God might be relevant to the times we’re liv- World Without Us. And I realized it’s tion is a wonderful thing. We’re always talking about social to be the size of Texas. [Pakistan’s] everyone on this planet, then why are everywhere. Now we live this techno- ing in right now. RR: Why did you decide to find out pretty interesting. It’s such a loaded inequity. It’s one of the fastest ways I economy is nowhere capable of employ- one billion people severely malnour- life, and we can spend our whole day about population growth and poten- topic, people are very emotional about RR: You said earlier this might sound can think of for spreading the wealth ing all these people. So everywhere you ished? If we can do it, why aren’t we without seeing any animals, but that And for less than the amount of money tial control? it. We talk about bears and wolves and a little depressing. So do you consider around. see all these frustrated, sullen, pissed- doing it? doesn’t mean that we don’t use them or we were spending per month in Af- balance in a national park – but this is yourself a pessimist? off young men. In the cities, usually that we don’t depend on them. AW: I don’t know if you read my last about us. I wondered: could we real- Source: www.street-papers.org / Real the best job they can get is being hired The other consideration, and one book, The World Without Us, but I istically do this? Which is why I went AW: No, I consider myself a realist Change – USA thugs for warlords, or in the north, it’s WEISMAN, page 17 reason I went to the Vatican, was [that] RR: How does spirituality tie into hu- wrote that because I really want a world to so many countries. It was a much and a journalist. Again, being a Homo

www.groundcovernews.org www.groundcovernews.org 18 MAKING CHANGE MAKING CHANGE 19 Sharing homes Voices of homeless youth by Alexandra Bolton said. “I’m not your mother. We’re by Angela Harvey “Education is an important way for chance at completing high school, the “I had a phenomenal support group Real Change News – Seattle, USA, housemates. So you help and I help, and Street Sense – Washington, D.C., USA, young people to break the cycle of pov- McKinney-Vento Homeless Assis- of four teachers who I called my Four 4/21/2014 we keep the house going.” 3/15/2014 erty and homelessness in their families,” tance Act requires states to have a state Moms,” said Spencer, 20, a junior at said Barb Dexter, a homeless education coordinator for homeless education University of Wisconsin. “They made In early mornings, Marquis McCrary In addition to integrating into the Swami experienced homelessness at liaison for the Anchorage School Dis- and a homeless education liaison in sure I went to school and kept my had to walk at least 2 miles, often in household, McCrary has taken ad- eight years of age, after his mother lost trict, who moderated the discussion. each school district. Some of the larger grades up. They always made sure I had the dark, to get to the bus and his vantage of his new location to further her job and could no longer afford the districts often have their own homeless what I needed, if it was a bed that night, three-hour round-trip commute from his goals. He got his GED through rent on their Illinois apartment. Although the individual stories were education programs, said Jan Moore, a or food, or whatever. Without their Spanaway to Tacoma. He was trying to YouthBuild in December 2013 and is unique, several commonalities were program specialist at the National Cen- support I definitely would not be where earn his GED through a program called now planning to attend Bates Techni- For two years, the mother and son shared when students identified factors ter for Homeless Education, a technical I am right now.” YouthBuild, which also offered him job cal College in the Broadcasting and lived in shelters, until his mother found that contributed to their family’s unsta- assistance center that works with school training through a construction pre-ap- Audio/Visual Production program. He employment and they got a stable place. ble housing situation: working parents districts to make sure the law is imple- Irene, 19, a junior at Texas State Univer- prenticeship program. At 21, McCrary can walk to many other local places like unable to afford housing, single parents, mented. sity, said a supportive guidance coun- had not finished high school. Instead, Things started normalizing and “life Dash Center for the Arts and Fabitat, parents with drug or alcohol addic- selor encouraged her to go to college he helped his single mother raise his was somewhat peaceful.” But at age 12, which offers a creative space for artistic tions, incarcerated parents, parents with The law focuses on school access and because of her high academic achieve- four younger siblings. Swami was removed from his home by expression and education. the state Department of Children and health problems, being kicked out, and success. Each state gets federal money ment, but worries there are students Back in Texas, McCrary’s mom and Family Services after reports of abuse leaving to escape “family drama” such that is disbursed to the school dis- who might not get the same type of Music and the spoken word are Mc- and neglect. as domestic violence. tricts through a competitive sub-grant help. siblings live in a shelter. McCrary Crary’s passions, and he has found moved in with his brother in Spanaway program. The school district liaison is opportunity for them in Tacoma. He Thus began his two-year journey “When you’re in a situation where the responsible for working with students “It wasn’t until the school noticed I had to get out of the shelter, himself. He left performs at B Sharp Coffee House in behind his family and a community through the foster care system. Swami, ones causing all of your heartache and to remove barriers to enrollment, to good grades that I felt like I was im- Opera Alley and has been a disc jockey 19, now a sophomore at the University stress is your family, you really don’t maintain satisfactory attendance, and to portant,” she said. “There are so many richer in activities and friends. In Texas, on KUPS 90.1 FM, the University of Living with Christina Jarman in her four-bedroom home has given Marquis Mc- of Illinois, wrote in an essay that he had have anyone to turn to,” said Raven, 20, reach academic achievement standards. kids with problems who don’t get good McCrary felt he was growing and better Puget Sound’s student radio station. He Crary access to many local resources in the Tacoma area, including the opportunity to seven foster-care placements and “about grades and are not going to get noticed.” able to keep himself busy. writes poetry, and he has worked with perform rap music at B Sharp Coffee House in Opera Alley, above. Photo by Daniel 700 horrifying memories to accompany Bassett Tacoma’s 2013-2015 poet laureate Lucas “When I got to Spanaway, it was just those placements.” For students who were considered to “Our goal is to have [homelessness] be and previously belonged to an Italian Smiraldo. McCrary is also developing be unaccompanied youths, their lack me and my brother,” said McCrary. “It a music video associated with a local something they are experiencing and immigrant family, who also owned the Swami shared his story on June 17 dur- “We want policymakers to hear directly from of guardianship made it difficult for wasn’t enough for me.” film about a fictional rapper growing up not a title that they are going to hold two adjacent lots. Jarman has three ing a discussion at the Rayburn House them to meet certain requirements, or homeless. Grand Marquis, McCrary’s the youths [to get] an understanding of why The resources at YouthBuild somewhat and carry the rest of their lives,” Ocasio grown children, one of whom used to to utilize programs available for low- rapper identity, has become an active Office Building in Washington, D.C., eased McCrary’s frustration and sense said. rent the house next door and one of youths become homeless, and of the gaps in the income families. Many recalled forging presence in the Tacoma community. along with 12 other young adults who of isolation, but the commute added whom currently lives in the house with experienced homelessness as minors. services available to them.” – Barbara Duffield, their parents’ signatures on report cards HHP is innovative for Washington his wife and their five children. The new challenges. Meanwhile, the situa- “I haven’t seen him in a couple months, They are college students from across and other forms. Many said they were State. It is part of a collaborative effort family has continued this sort of com- Policy Director, National Association for the tion at his brother’s grew uncomfort- and I’m amazed by what he’s doing,” the country who received a $2,000 not able to apply for free and reduced called Housing 4 Success that offers munal living, affectionately referring to Education of Homeless Children and Youth able. After being homeless for several Ocasio said. “The ultimate goal is self- scholarship a year-and-a-half ago from lunch, or for financial aid for college two other housing tracks for young the space as the “Jarman Compound.” nights, McCrary realized he needed to sufficiency. So, him going to Bates and the National Association for the Educa- because they did not have someone to find another place to stay. people experiencing homelessness: tion of Homeless Children and Youth. fill out the applications. independent housing in apartments Ocasio said Jarman is an ideal home being able to get a degree or get skills and shared housing for students in the provider for the program. and get a job, a good-paying job after He found one after being referred to “We want policymakers to hear directly a sophomore at Louisiana State Univer- Children and youths are immediately “Being in a position where I was unac- Bethel School District. HHP housed 40 he’s on his own: He’s on his way.” Shared Housing Services through Ta- from the youths,” said Barbara Duff- sity. “Teachers and counselors might enrolled in school regardless of disputes companied and not necessarily adopted individuals under the age of 24 during “She works in the community, and she coma’s sole entry point into the housing McCrary has more specific plans, ield, policy director of the Association. listen, but they can’t understand what over school selection or placement, by someone else left me with no guard- its first year. has connections in the community. We resource system, Access Point 4 Hous- Several congressional staff members ianship,” said Tia, 19, a sophomore at ask our housing providers to be men- including moving back to Texas, in- you’re going through.” or missing information such as birth ing. attended the discussion. She hopes they Meredith College. McCrary’s host, Jarman, works for the tors and model these good behaviors, terning at a record label in Austin and certificates and immunization record. taking in his younger brothers, once he share with their bosses “an understand- Nicholas, 20, a sophomore at the In addition, states have guaranteed ac- At Shared Housing Services in Ta- Homeownership Center of Tacoma. and those are all things she already is established. And, of course, he’d like ing of why youths become homeless, University of North Carolina, said he cess to additional educational services Their experience with homelessness coma, housing specialist Bobby Ocasio She said she had the idea of sharing does,” said Ocasio. “Marquis can see to own a Grand Marquis someday. and of the gaps in the services available focused on work to avoid dealing with or broken families is not far from the connected McCrary to homeowner her extra space before she even bought this, and Marquis can follow that if needed in order to meet state student to them.” his reality. “If you keep your mind busy, students’ minds as they continue their Christina Jarman, an accountant and the home. Shortly after moving in, she he chooses to. Or he’ll just see a good academic achievement standards. At the moment, he is grateful for his you don’t have time to think of where college educations. Some have taken loan counselor with extra space in her became involved in Shared Housing example of what healthy adults do every surroundings. Nationally, more than 1 million chil- on the legal guardianship of younger large, four-bedroom home in Tacoma’s Services’ adult home-sharing program, day. That’s really the goal of our pro- am I going to sleep, or when is the next Annual state performance reports dren experienced homelessness during siblings. Others said they struggle to Hilltop neighborhood. which serves as the model for the HHP. gram and the mentorship part of it.” time I’m going to get food?” monitor the school districts’ adherence “It is truly a blessing to be here,” he said. the 2010-11 school year – a 14 percent to the law and compare the districts pay for housing and tuition due to a Jarman had two adult housemates be- Jarman said she strives to promote increase from the previous year. In the Several students described being re- receiving grants to the ones that are not, lack of financial support from parents The Host Home Program (HHP), Source: www.street-papers.org / Real fore McCrary and remains friends with independence. District, there were more than 3,000 luctant to disclose their living situation Moore said. or guardians. These are reasons why it which was launched in December 2012, Change – USA matches young people experiencing them. She said she’s benefitted from homeless residents enrolled in school or lack of parental involvement with was important for them to have the dis- homelessness with people in the com- sharing her home with others. “I’ve already raised my kids,” Jarman during the 2010-11 school year, rep- teachers and school administrators due “The McKinney-Vento is a non-funded cussion in Washington, D.C., to hope- munity with space to spare. It provides resenting a 22 percent increase in one to embarrassment or not wanting to be mandate. Only about 9 percent of fully encourage changes in education a $400 monthly stipend to the home- “In every situation, I’ve grown. Yeah, year, according to the U.S. Department labeled as a troubled youth. school districts get subgrants,” Moore policies that affect children in similar owner to help with utilities, mortgage I’ve opened my door and made the of Education. said. “The other 91 percent are serv- situations. or other costs. In addition to housing, facilities available, but I’ve learned in Empower a Groundcover vendor “When a teenager is homeless, a lot ing kids without receiving any federal the youth gets an adult figure to provide return,” Jarman said. The Department of Education defines of people think they are a problem funds, and the burden falls on the “I want lawmakers to be compelled to mentorship. Partner agencies provide with your old but functional homelessness as being without a fixed, child or that it must be something that school districts.” do something,” Duffield said. “You have case management. The historic house was built in 1905 smart phone or tablet! regular, adequate nighttime residence. they’ve done,” said Tina, 20, a junior to be educated, but you also have to This includes those who are sharing the at Salem State University. “But that’s A majority of the students at the be moved, and that’s what these kids’ housing of others; living in hotels and usually not the case. We are the victims discussion credited involved teachers stories do.” Volunteer Help Wanted by Groundcover Email [email protected], motels, trailer parks, camping grounds, of our parents’ decisions or unfortunate and education support professionals emergency or transitional housing; situations.” with helping them excel in school and Source: www.street-papers.org / Street • Office staff 2–4 hours/week • Videographers call 734-707-9210 or drop it off in our office awaiting foster care placement; and liv- make it into college, saying they were Sense – USA • Writers • Website and social media gurus (in the basement of Bethlehem UCC) between ing in areas not designed for sleeping or To ensure that students who are expe- advocates who often filled the role of a • Ad designers • Volunteer coordinator 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. M, W, Th , F in substandard housing. riencing homelessness have the best substitute parent.

www.groundcovernews.org www.groundcovernews.org 20 PERSONAL STORIES Dalai Lama heals vendor by Hobo John I was a decent reporter and was able to stop a crooked Street Roots – Portland, OR, USA, sewer deal between a local 6/10/2013 politician and some bigwig I was a little manic several springs back lobbyists, but the job caused on the streets of a small Texas town me a lot of anxiety. I was also called Mansfield. The police and I had a complete ass to work with, been through several run-ins, which and simply did not feel safe resulted in my landing in a Fort Worth being in one spot, where my mental hospital. Being a ward of the attacker might find me again. state scared me a bit, because they’d Eventually, I lost my job and decide when I’d be released. Also, at the found myself homeless, which point in my life, I didn’t trust much of allowed me to drift. anything or anybody. The Dalai Lama speaks, as I Shortly after my arrival, they took me imagine Christ spoke, with to a wing that seemed to take forever authority. It was an environ- to get to. My imagination was running mental conference, and if you pretty wild: straight-jackets, electric are alive you know that we shocks, that type of thing. When we have been poor stewards of arrived, someone in the lobby was the earth. I attended several reading a copy of a book written by the events over two days at the Dalai Lama. I consider myself a spiri- University of Portland and His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, gave one of several lectures in the Portland area as part of the June 2013 Environmental Summit sponsored by Maitripa College. tual person and at that point I had read Memorial Coliseum. Typical a couple of books by the Tibetan holy of His Holiness, he said little man. Seeing his picture calmed me and about the environment and focused on standing next to my shopping cart. passion is the desire to relieve the reminded me that God’s love is every- trying to get us to be better people. I Every once in a while my shopping cart suffering of another. What does com- where, and I would get through this. like his approach – how can we expect will set someone off, as they may have passion look like? Well, according to to take care of nature when we don’t been on the streets themselves, or are the Dalai Lama, compassion looks like Back in January, when I saw a billboard take care of each other? Another thing getting close to landing there. This guy affection. He used that word repeatedly saying that the Dalai Lama would be in he said really struck me: “God created I had never seen before starts yelling throughout the conference and dis- Portland, it created some anxiety within the earth; it too is one of his creations; at me, “F__ you,” from halfway down played it endlessly. me. First of all, how would I afford a if you respect and love God, you must the street. He keeps yelling it over and ticket, and then let’s say I did get to see respect the earth and take care of her.” over until he is right in front of me with At the end, the key organizer of the him, and God’s ambassador of compas- his middle finger right in my face. I event, Yangsi Rinpoche, president of sion didn’t care much for my hobo ass. Christ tells us to love our enemies and I just stood there smiling. This seemed Maitripa College in Portland, was bow- Eventually I checked the website for take that seriously. to irritate him a ing at the Dalai Lama’s feet. His Holi- the event and saw that I could apply for However, I devel- little, and so he ness was rubbing his head and telling press pass online, which I went ahead oped an aggressive, “I like his approach – proceeded to stick the audience what a good boy he was and did, using Street Roots as “my orga- sarcastic tongue that finger straight and how much he loved him. Yangsi over the first 40 can we expect to take nization.” Thing is, I didn’t asked Streets care of nature when up my nose. Un- sat there soaking up the love, just like Roots – kind of manipulative, I know, years of my life fortunately I did the rest of us. After that, the Red Hot and one of the list of about a thousand and dismantling it we don’t take care of not turn the other Chili Peppers played for about an hour. things I am working on improving. hasn’t been easy. each other?” nostril. I spun I have always respected the Peppers, Well, they scolded me a little but said I Not that I have him around; bear while not being a huge fan; some of could attend. a lot of enemies, hugged him a little, their music is too discordant for me. but on the streets you tend to get your told him to never touch me again and But I do love several songs, and they My homeless adventure started about fair share of scorn, and worse for me – shoved him on his way. I am not proud played like beasts. Their third number 10 years ago in Florida Keys. I was people completely ignoring you when of that, but that is what forgiveness is was Scar Tissue. After the opening working as a newspaper reporter for a you are trying to talk to them. I even for, that is also life – we live and learn. chords I was crying like a baby, grateful small weekly called the Islamorada Free had my Street Roots badge yanked a for the healing of my scars. I guess the Press when a memory surfaced of being couple of times, for giving people lip. I had another chance later that night. I shadowy figure from my past has been molested as a kid by my judo instruc- So, when the Dalai Lama said, “do no was lying on my bag in a doorway when forgiven and is loved – by me, at least. I tor. I had always remembered part of harm,” which is a beginning tenant in a group of kids in a car saw me and am at peace and happy on the streets. I that night, but this repressed part was both Buddhism and Hinduism, I made start yelling, “You’re a lazy bum, what a am also incredibly grateful to encounter violent and, in my mind, disgusting. It a vow to double my effort in reigning f___ing bum,” etc. Well, I just lay there His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, a living created some post-traumatic stress dis- in my tongue. When you make an oath feeling peaceful and smiling at them. embodiment of Christ’s teachings here order and severe panic attacks. At times like that, God will sometimes ask, “re- Turn the other cheek works and, seeing on earth. in my mind, I was a nine-year-old kid ally?” no resistance, they sped off. Source: www.street-papers.org / Street once again and this guy was after me. Roots – USA The next day, I was talking to a buddy Tibetan Buddhism teaches that com- Groundcover News Advertising Rates Package Pricing Size Black and White Color Approx. Size Business card $49.95 $65.95 2 X 3.5 Three Months/Three Issues: 15% off 1/8 $89.95 $129.95 2.5 X 6.5 or 5 X 3.25 Six Months/Six Issues: 25% off 1/6 $129.95 $165.95 4.5 X 5.5 1/4 $159.95 $215.95 5 X 6.5 Full Year/Twelve Issues: 35% off 1/2 $299.95 $399.95 5 X 14 or 10 X 6.5 Additional 20% off ads with coupons Full Page $495.95 $669.95 10 X 14

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