GREENSBORO VOICE VOL 4#10

THE PRINTING NEWS THAT DOESN’T FIT

An Example of Unselfish Regard Seven Years and a Wake-Up for Homeless Ex-Prisoners A Prisoner’s Progress From Incarceration To Re-Entry by Bill K. by ZAZEN “...a person who has paid a debt to society and worked to expand their knowledge and better themselves de- serves to work in dignified manner of their choosing just as much as anyone else.”

he writer has taken on the responsibili- the forcible push-back I received while at- Tty of producing an essay that highlights tempting to secure myself a modest occu- the difficulties of transitioning from life as pation. I realize that the nature of my crime ward of a state correctional institution to immediately causes eyebrows to raise, but a returning citizen of regular society. This I feel that the employers, businesses and writing could have manifested under a dif- corporations who look at the felony re- ferent name entirely, but given that I have cord as a liability rather than attempting personal experience in the subject matter, to view the circumstances in their whole it may have been considered derelict of me context are displaying a tendency towards as a contributing member of this newspa- discrimination in their employment prac- per’s staff not to offer my perspective on the tices. Today, there are incentives being issue. Having said that, I would like every- introduced that will alleviate some of the one reading this to understand that my in- pressure on returning ex-offenders and ericho House is a not-too-well-known I was amazed to find the home to be neat, dividual experience is unique and may not provide tax breaks to businesses who take JGreensboro ministry for those at risk clean, comfortable, and in good shape reflect the opinions of others who have not on the responsibility for providing the sys- of being homeless upon their release from upon my arrival. The folks in charge seem experienced the topic first-hand or those tematically disadvantaged with a means of prison. Part of the reason they are not too to demonstrate well a commitment to do who have been in similar circumstances. income. But it will not ensure that those well known is the humble attitude of its a lot with little. Any and all contributions The final verdict on my post-release move- with multiple infractions and handicaps operators. They are Christian and treat seem to be well spent. This is to the credit ment toward resettlement has not and can- have a fair opportunity to be considered every resident as though they truly believe not only of the operators, but to the obvious not be written, and my journey is still very on an equal footing with others who may “There but for the grace of God go I”. The difference the program at Jericho House much a work in progress. have a clean(er) record. operators are not exclusive in their service has made in the lives of the residents here. One item that should be shared is that I Since my release from prison, I can hon- to those of dissimilar faith, as long as a resi- The intake binder given to every resident was incarcerated in Ohio, not North Caro- estly say that I have possessed two official dent agrees to abide by Christian principles shortly after his arrival contains a well- lina. There must be differences in the pro- jobs. The first was while I was still in Ohio, in their treatment of one another and staff thought-out structured outline for life plan- cess of criminal prosecution and attitudes nearly a year after my release. After repeat- during their stay. The intent of the opera- ning, covering the topics of “general infor- toward released former inmates to consider. ed attempts to apply at a local linen clean- tors of Jericho House is probably best sum- mation”, “starting”, “employment”, “money”, The history between my father and myself ing service and receiving no response, I marized in their mission statement: and the contract the new resident is expect- was conflicted; in 2008 I was arrested for was finally able to get my foot in the door The purpose of Jericho House is to pro- ed to sign which indicates his commitment stabbing him multiple times with a kitchen only after I had entered into homeless vide a seven month intensive residen- to make some very positive changes in his knife. Although the incident was domestic shelter-status and my parole officer at the tial recovery community for men com- life. However, with the exception of the and no charges were filed on my father’s time had intervened to help me find em- ing out of prison. Our goal is to help contract, most of the details are left blank, behalf, the state picked up the case and in- ployment. As a linen “sorter,” I worked for these men have a successful transition because the resident is encouraged to take dicted me. In early 2009, I accepted a plea two months before resigning under diffi- back into society. We are a Christian charge of his own life, customize his own bargain of two counts of felonious assault culties adjusting to the environment and program, with a strong emphasis on plan, and progress to the point where he and one count of attempted murder in ex- meeting occupational expectations. In building a solid spiritual foundation. no longer needs the control of the prison change for a three year sentence ran and other words, the stress and desperation of Jericho House can accommodate up to environment with someone standing over five years of post-release supervision under the factory’s atmosphere overcame me. It six residents. him, telling him every significant move to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and wasn’t until the end of 2014, almost a year As a resident myself, I am exceedingly make. Our society needs more programs Correction. Adding time served for my stint after I had arrived in High Point, NC., that thankful that such a charity even exists. like this one. As well, there needs to be in the local county jail, I completed my sen- I was able to get a second job through a Particularly so, because I’m too old and more concerted effort to utilize the expe- tence and was released in 2011. Subsequent- temporary staffing agency at a furniture disabled to be trying to sleep under a rienced knowledge of graduates of such ly, I have been free for nearly four years, framing business. I was dropped into a bridge in the kind of weather we’ve had programs in honest efforts to prevent the soon to be seven years removed from my seemingly low-skilled labor position as an lately. I find both staff and fellow resi- homelessness problem from the start. You criminal offense, and almost one year away assembler of mattress frames, apparently dents to be quite welcoming and tolerant may forward your comments to my e-mail from completing my probationary period. to replace a long-time employee of thirty- in their dealings with me. Though they address: [email protected]. Feedback I attempted to reestablish myself in Ohio plus years who was slowing down as his expect a fellow to make an effort to pay at is welcome. for over two years before finally having my age increased. They needed new blood least part of his way after the first month, Bill K., a traumatically-stressed ex-cop probation transferred to the south in NC.’s and as a designated “floor specialist” in the staff have demonstrated a willingness turned homeless mental patient is now Piedmont-Triad region. training, I was to cover various aspects of to work with a resident as long as he con- well into recovery and looking to use his My expectations for re-entry were always maintaining productivity. tinues to make an obvious commitment pen to encourage and enable people to rooted in the reality of my situation. But I did not last more than two days before to improve his life. find their solutions to life’s challenges nothing could have truly prepared me for I relieved myself of the job. I wasn’t up to Continued on page 3 PAGE 2

THE GREENSBORO VOICE The IRC Holds Dignity Event Mission Statement by Elizabeth Chiseri-Strater Our newspaper aims to serve as a vehicle for elevating voices and public discussion on issues that are not frequently covered in mainstream media outlets. These issues include n Thursday April 30th the Interac- needs faced by the small staff of seven homelessness, facing potential homelessness and the resources available to help those in O tive Resource Center held a fund paid members who run the IRC along need. This newspaper is for everyone: people experiencing homelessness, students, par- raiser titled “The Dignity Event” to raise with the help of many volunteers, em- ents and anyone else who wants to have his or her voice heard. We hope the awareness funds to support the staff and guests at phasizing that with additional monetary gained from our newspaper will encourage the community to have a discussion about the IRC. Music played by The Healing donations they may be able to hire new issues and people who are normally ignored. Blues Project filled the rooms while do- staff and offer new programs such as fi- Join Our Team nors took self-guided tours of the IRC nancial literacy classes. Kennedy stressed Members of Greensboro’s community who want to end poverty and homelessness pub- and nibbled on specialty foods and des- that everyone benefits from helping peo- lish The Greensboro Voice. We welcome you to our team! Meetings are held at the Inter- serts provided by local restaurants such ple experiencing homelessness--“There is active Resource Center on Wednesdays from 12:30–2:00 p.m. The Interactive Resource as Deep Roots, the Painted Plate, Grey’s room at the table for all of us,” she said. Center is located at 407 E. Washington Street. Everyone is welcome at our meetings! Tavern, 1618 Wine Lounge and others. The silent auction winners ended the Deidre James, community organizer, evening with many people walking away This edition was produced by: served as moderator for the event, in- with baskets of donated goods, plants, Yolanda Batts, Reporter Liz Seymour, Guest Editor troducing speakers and musicians who puzzles, musical instruments, rain barrels Elizabeth Chiseri-Strater, Editor Alabama Stone, Marketing talked about and played songs about and note cards drawn by guests of the IRC. Anita Gilmore, Reporter Clarette Sutton, Reporter the homeless community. Michelle Participants were encouraged to take away Nadirah Goldsmith, Reporter Steve Terrill, Art Director Kennedy, the IRC’s Executive Director, care packages to give away to anyone they Lavinia Jackson, Reporter Stephanie Thomas, Assistant Editor thanked NewBridge Bank for its dona- meet on the street in need of help. The Chris Mundy, Artist Chris Ward, Reporter tion of a commercial washer and dryer Greensboro Voice was mentioned as one of Bob Norfleet, Reporter Mary Yost, Reporter & Editor and announced a new grant awarded to the many innovative programs offered at [email protected] @greensborovoice the IRC. Kennedy explained the further the Interactive Resource Center.

Opinion

I am responding to the front page open bringing in a large number of homeless in- letter by Amy Murphy that appeared in dividuals unannounced. A quick phone call tobacco eau de Man the last issue of The Greensboro Voice. I to the Urban Ministry or the management at Thanks Alabama for Ellen Hopkins: thank you for art. feel her analysis of the Weaver House was the Weaver House, requesting appointments too harsh. The non-profit organizations before the visit, might have brought more re- he staff of The Greensboro Voice trying to help the homeless with tempo- alistic results and perhaps a better outcome. Twould like to thank Alabama Stone A perfect fiber, a tiny tendril, rary shelter and food in Greensboro of- I understand the point the writer was for her work with the newspaper as an in- throbbed in my belly. ten lack sufficient funds and resources to trying to make: Many people are sleeping tern with the English Department at The Red & raw. complete their mission. This includes the outside in the winter, a fact most Greens- University of North Carolina at Greens- We laid in bed sweating. Weaver House at the Greensboro Urban boro residents have been unaware. It's vi- boro. Her work in community outreach Blind by fever and a meteorite. Ministry on Lee Street. tal that we inform so that more help can and marketing as well as her contributions The staff and volunteers at Greensboro be made available with an increase in do- as a reporter and writer, have been influ- Lately, Urban Ministry assist many individuals nations. On the other hand, the same in- ential to our paper and to our community. it takes miles to get away. and families in this community by provid- formation could have been acquired and She has written poetry for our newspaper ing temporary shelter and food during the shared in a positive way. and has had her work published in several As for me and year, especially during the cold months. literary magazines and journals, among my own sordid tale; It seems unfair to “set-up” the already Stephanie Thomas, them UNCG’s Corradi. She recently had Ecstasy dissolves all fear. Behave. stressed shelter employees and volunteers by Assistant Editor, The Greensboro Voice the opportunity to be an official poet in I am the mistress of persuasion, the “PoMoSco Project,” while working of sweet-talk and summer insanity. with The Found Poetry Review. Alabama has accepted an offer to attend North He was all hands. Carolina State University, where she will Proximity unsettling, receive her Master of Fine Arts in Poetry. the consolation of touch, and We are proud of her for continuing her my mouth to gag down THE GREENSBORO VOICE love and passion for poetry and writing his whispers. One look, he knew. and for being chosen for such a selective The bastard. Help start the conversation! program. She will be working with the you’re a strange girl famous poets Dorianne Laux and John —but I’d like to get to know you. The Greensboro Voice Has a Balaban to receive creative guidance and discipline as a writer. We will miss her Sonofabitch, I wanted to rage. New Mailing Address liveliness and unconventional ideas and Calling for a fractured psyche Please send checks payable to wish her the best. To the right is a sample and the urge to dance. “The Greensboro Voice” to our new address: of her poetry. To fall into rhythm. Greensboro Voice The urge I have to pollute my lungs with you. 1852 Banking Street #9252 Tobacco and eau de Man. Greensboro NC 27408 PAGE 3

THE GREENSBORO VOICE To Dive or Not to Dive Seven Years and a Wake-Up by Clarette Sutton Continued from page 1

the task of fi lling the shoes of a thirty-four hired by them. But at least one of them year veteran while trying to fi t into a two- denied my application on the grounds man cooperative work fl ow with a partner of my felony record. Matters of driv- (something I’m not accustomed to in the ing capability and even, ironically, debt fi rst place) who had been there for two are being used to determine whether years aft er being trained under my outgo- potential employees can carry out the ing predecessor. What defi nes these situa- most practical tasks. My issues with this tions is my lack of suitability in the facto- subject go deeper than what I can fit in ry/industrial setting. As I’ve grown older this small space, but I can at least say and acquired new skills on my own and that I have recently undergone train- in educational settings, my qualifi cations ing and received multiple certifications and competency should not restrict me to in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Condi- the manual labor sector. Some would say tioning and Refrigeration trade as well here is much wasted food in Greens- According to (www.freegan.info): “Dump- that as a person with a fi rst-degree felony, I as Forklift credentials, extending my T boro even though there are also ster diving is legal in the United States except do not have the luxury to pick and choose qualifications even further. None of my many food desserts. A food dessert is de- there prohibited by local regulation.” How- which jobs I want to work in. To a certain efforts have yet yielded the opportuni- fi ned as an area where there is no grocery ever, according to regulations about taking extent, I would agree with them. However, ties I’ve worked for in the job market, store within a two mile radius. Many of food from dumpsters: “[if] a dumpster is why is it that businesses such as fast-food but that’s not to say I haven’t been fortu- these desserts are in low income neigh- against a building or inside a fenced en- and retail chains, which carry positions nate other areas. I’ll continue to use the borhoods where people oft en go hungry. closure marked ‘No Trespassing’ you could that I actually do have experience in, re- resources I do possess to bring attention Less than a year ago Urban Ministries be questioned, ticketed or even arrested by fuse in most cases to even conduct an to these matters, because until they are closed its food bank which left many the police.” According to Guilford County interview with me, thereby confi ning me addressed fully then an increase in un- non-profi t agencies that help feed the Schools, food taken from school dumpsters to a narrow space where the only options employment rates is inevitable, all due hungry and poor in trouble. At the same is considered theft . So rather than compost are miserable wage-slave tasks with pay- to a lack of understanding that a per- time Guilford County Schools throws this waste and perhaps even start a school rates that are a scant more than the state son who has paid a debt to society and away tons of food each month. Th is food garden, the food is taken away. How can we minimum requires or are based on back- worked to expand their knowledge and could help feed the hungry but there is a begin to solve this problem? breaking productivity schedules? better themselves deserves to work in strict policy against this as well as against Clarette Sutton works in the cafeteria of a lo- Walmart and Taco Bell do not require dignified manner of their choosing just dumpster diving. cal school and has seen food waste fi rst hand. an advanced skill set for someone to be as much as anyone else.

Th e March 2015 issue debuted a comic strip Th e Last Homecoming. Th e artist, who goes by the name Zazen, explains his approach to his work: “Th e name ‘Zazen’ came about last fall. Th e whole idea of anonymity goes back to my days doing graffi ti; the word ‘zazen’ just jumped out at me. I have an interest in Japanese culture and lately have been delving into it further—Th e Samurai and the Sacred, Confucianism, Shintoism, spirituality. Zazen is a Buddhist concept, Japanese for “seated in meditation”. I’ve done sitting meditation for half my life—it describes me, it’s just something that sticks.” Th e conversation in this installment of Th e Last Homecoming came out of a conversation when Zazen was staying at a local shelter. “I pulled out my pen and pad—it was something I wanted to get down. I really just want to tell people’s stories. I didn’t want to do an overview of shelters; it’s more important to get one person’s experience. It’s not my intent to do journalistic reporting. To me the purpose of the strip is to get people to tell a story, any story, from their life. Something that rings true with them, something that’s inconsequential but can reach somebody somewhere. “People are coming out of all kinds of situations and coming into the shelter with nothing. It’s not right to take advantage of them. When you’re on the street, not much matters. I want people to realize that this is an actual story about an actual thing that happened in a place that really exists, but also that it’s across the board. I’ll have two more strips about Dwight and then another cycle, another conversation with someone else. Most of all in the strip I want the feelings that I’ve had and that other people have had to come across.” PAGE 4

THE GREENSBORO VOICE

The Rest of the Story by Chris Ward

he most interesting thing about a telling your story is that story never ends. As long as you live, that story changes, and watch a movie on my laptop. About not have to pay back the Pell grant. The grows, and goes on. Even after you pass, that story isn’t 15 minutes had passed, and suddenly my most worrisome part of the story here was T house started filling up with smoke. My liv- that the school had told me that I would over; your life affects the story of those around you, and as such, ing room was on fire. Somehow my window not be able to continue with school next even after you’re gone, your life has influenced someone you curtain had been sat ablaze. Luckily no one year until I had paid back this Pell grant. may never meet. was hurt, and the fire was put out as quickly Luckily, this part worked out. That is un- as possible. Aside from a few things that til I was supposed to be receiving the next were damaged and destroyed because of installment for my student loan. the fire, the overall damage was very light. Remember how I told you I was a credit It has been months since I last updated ev- utes later, as we were walking through the However, the fire resulted in the need for the shy of being a part time student? Here’s eryone on my own story, and things have house, she made a comment about having living room wall and window to be repaint- where that came back to bite me. Because changed. One thing that hasn’t are the chal- gotten this far during her first inspection, ed and for the replacement of blinds and of the mix-up with the class schedule, I lenges I still find myself facing. When last which she had just told me she had been curtains. I was thankful that things had not ended up with less than six credit hours. we left off, I was in my own place. “unable to perform.” I was left scratching been worse, but this was just the beginning This resulted in my being unable to get It was December of 2014, and Christmas my head, but did not make any comment. of the month. The smoke was gone in my my student loan. So here I am, still try- was fast approaching. I was looking for- At the end of her visit, I was informed that house, but it was to start again at college. ing to catch up with my bills and am al- ward to the holidays since I knew I would this house had not passed her inspection. I was scheduled to start my new class most there. When I was to receive my last be getting to visit and spend some time There were several minor things that she in March. Among the things I lost in the check, my bills would not only be caught with my family, something I had not really wanted changed or fixed. I became even fire had been my school schedule. I knew up, but I would be ahead on them. had the opportunity to do since before be- more afraid. I thought, “What does this what day my class was supposed to start, Now we come to the most recent com- coming homeless. I had missed my nieces mean for my future?” I was left to worry but after viewing my classes on the inter- plication standing in my way. As many of terribly and could hardly wait to see how all through the holidays. net, I received an email from a teacher you may imagine, I do receive EBT/Food much they had grown. I can’t remember So after Christmas, the landlord was able that told me we would be meeting on a Stamps. Many of the readers of this paper the last time I had been feeling this great to have everything repaired and re-in- different day. I figured this was due to the may receive them as well. I had to re-certify about life! spected, and the house passed. In January school closing caused by the snow storms last month (April). Upon doing so, I was But then the phone rang, and all that I was able to sign a new lease and thought and that the class had just been delayed. told that I do not qualify any longer for as- changed. I answered the call, and it was all my problems were going to be behind However, when I went to the classroom, it sistance. I was confused until I found out the property owner who asked me about me. I had been accepted to GTCC. This was empty. By the time I got home, it was the reason. It seems that if you are a stu- rent. I was confused at first because I have was the first time I had stepped foot in a early evening, and I decided I would email dent, you cannot receive assistance. To me a housing voucher. I tried to explain this proper classroom in over 15 years. Then I the teacher the next morning to figure out this is a bit confusing. If I had a child or if to the landlord. He informed me that not ran into another problem. Amazing how what was going on with the schedule. I was working at least 20 hours a week, I only had no rent been paid since I moved they spring up so suddenly and much too The next day, I returned home from could receive benefits. If I was taking a job in, but they had also listed my home as frequently when you live on the margins school and found an email waiting in training program instead, I could get help “vacant.” I was rocked. of society! my inbox. The teacher informed me that as well. But the fact that I am trying to get I immediately started to investigate the So I was now in school and was re-excited I am not even listed for her class. This a degree in Computer Information Tech- situation. After making some calls, I de- about my future because I had a part-time was strange because I saw my name on nologies (which in itself should be listed as termined that someone had not turned in job at a call center for a non-profit char- the student list, and I had received emails “job training” in my opinion since it’s relat- the proper forms, and so I was facing an ity. I wanted to be a full-time student, but from this teacher. Upon further investiga- able to a specific field of work), I cannot get uncertain future at Christmas. I started because of the job, I only managed to get tion though, we were able to determine the help I need. To me this is counter-pro- wondering if I was about to be home- in as part time… or so I thought. I soon that someone at the college had placed ductive, since I had always thought that the less again, back to where I started just a discovered that I had been misinformed me in the wrong class. I was supposed to purpose of welfare or food stamps was to short year ago. My mind was reeling as I by the college. My schedule made me one be in “Introduction to Communications,” offer a hand up. Maybe I’m wrong, but it is thought everything through. Soon, how- credit point shy of part time, which nega- and yet the class showing up online was just another challenge. At the present I am ever, I was assured that the agency was tively affected my Pell Grant income. I “Introduction to Public Speaking,” both struggling. I have bills and expenses. I am going to work on fixing this situation and started missing work and showing up late. of which carrying the COM tag. I was looking for work. But most importantly, I would be sending out a housing inspector. I barely had enough time to breathe due to not worried though. I knew this was just am persevering. I dared to hope, but up until the day of the my studies and late work hours. I was fall- a misunderstanding that could be fixed. That is the most important thing I can inspection I was unable to sleep due to my ing behind in school, and it became a very Then I received a letter from the school share with you. We all face challenges ev- racing nerves. I was scared that something difficult situation to be sure. It resulted in that told me I have to pay back my Pell eryday. I feel that I have more than my fair would go wrong. my having to take time off work until the grant. Wow, this is really shaping up to be share at this time. What we must remem- The inspector arrived and I let her in. We semester was out. Of course, this severely a heckuva a year huh? ber though is that no matter how hard the talked, and she inspected. Then she in- affected my financial situation, but I tried I know this update is getting a bit long, but challenge or the difficulties we face, we formed me that she remembered visiting not let this burden me. I kept up my hard stick with me. For this next part of the story, I are only unsuccessful if we give up. A bet- my address before but that she was unable work at college. will spare you most of the details and give you ter tomorrow begins today, but it is only to conduct her inspection, because the The next bad spot came after the snow a brief overview on what happened next: possible when we put forth our best effort person who had been living in my home storms hit. We had one of our rare pretty I went to the school and was told there and never give up. Until next time, I will was in the process of moving out. I knew days and I had opened a window to let was nothing that could be done. After continue to push forward and know that this to be untrue, since the original in- some fresh air in. It was night time, and I speaking to many different people and I will be successful as long as I always do spection was scheduled after I had already was awake. I had been up most of the night departments over several weeks, we were my best. By the way, my final grade for inspected this property. A mere 15 min- studying and had decided to relax a little finally able to resolve this issue, and I did the class I finished was an “A”. PAGE 5

THE GREENSBORO VOICE Short takes with Anita: A collection of stories By Anita Gilmore

Anita Gilmore is a guest at the Interactive Resource Center (IRC). Ev- ery month she talks to people experiencing homelessness and collects their stories. This issue Anita Gilmore, our Roving Reporter asked IRC guests their opinions of the Current Interactive Resource Center under new leadership.

Reggie Johnson Please, we need help for a lot of things. man. So I have no room to entertain the I’m still trying myself. Trying to stay on devil and his ways. So I say again the dev- the right path. At one time I had very il is a lie. Thank you Jesus for loving me wicked ways that caused me to become even when I fall short. I get my strength homeless. That is one of the reasons I try from the Lord who loves me. day to day to help people because it helps me stay strong. “Mike” My life is patterned around people. I This is about excelling beyond the limits of, know a lot of people that is poor and “I can’t”! This is about Mr. B. Reids-Bey. homeless. I was homeless myself so I try He spent thirteen years in prison falsely to help feed the homeless on the week- convicted for a 2000 robbery. Mr. Reids- ends--we feed between 400 to 500 people Bey makes it clear to everyone, “Never let every weekend. I love “the people”. I see your past or bad people dictate your future”. a lot of things. The HealthServe Center He insists that individuals stand upright, in- has closed for people that can’t afford to dependent and fearless and do what is right get medicine and to see a doctor. People by all means necessary. Prior to his 2000 can’t go to the hospital no more because incarceration, Mr. Reids-Bey led various they need insurance. A world is coming to companies such as “The Whole Nine Yards an end. Our economy is very poor. Home Remodeling and Restoration”, “Keep The Interactive Resource Center (IRC) it Clean Pressure Washing and Janitorial” helped me get my checks started. I have and “Superior Pressure Washing”. seen the IRC help a lot of people but they Mr. Reids-Bey reports that in May 2012, can’t do it by themselves. They can help he was ejected into a homeless environment you if you give them a chance. They help by the prison system. He says the Social Se- with finding places to stay, jobs and even curity system refused to give ex-prisoners feed the guests who come there. The “entitled money” for housing, business as- Greensboro Voice is a paper that helps the sistance or transportation. He claims it is a THE GREENSBORO VOICE homeless and others be heard. If you are “keep-them-down tactic” that leads to the in real need, come to the IRC and check lack of sufficient funds to succeed and is the thanks our “listeners” out their resources. Thanks for reading direct cause that forces many ex-prisoners my story. into homeless shelters such as the one at the Pastor Cheri Curtis Teresa & Bill Hicks Greensboro Urban Ministry. Taylor Shain Eileen Prufer Kathleen Jackson I have a love for people. Moorish Ameri- Elliot Higgens Carolyn Graves The devil is a lie. He tried to steal my can Law tells us to love instead of hate The Pilgrimage Board Laura Mims peace. He sent someone to me in sheep’s and to live under the divine star of love, Michael Bohn Alan Benson clothing but God revealed to me the wolf. truth, peace, freedom and justice. Despite Anna and Bill Heroy Bob Langenfeld God blessed me to be able to see it and my adversities, God has blessed me in my Stephanie Thomas Mr. & Mrs. ED Mann gave me the strength to defeat the devil. past and now. You can’t let emotions get Because I asked, my Lord God helped me. in the way of who you are or what you Patricia Deboh Anne & Sam Hummel No matter what I go through, Jesus has really stand for. My association with Mr. Taylor Shain Dr. Denise Baker saved me. He wants to save you. All you Reids-Bey’s “Cancer Support Store Cloth- Carol Owen Charles Austin have to do is ask him with a true heart. I ing Line” and writing poems, and songs Jim Ingram Kathy Sohn am a good person because I have the Lord are my way of keeping people inspired, Nancy Myers Carolyn Owen first and I chose to be more like Him than uplifted and alive. Parker Washburn Carol Mack Thaddeus Seymour New Generation’s Lion’s Club Do you have suggestions for The Lee Wilder Whitney Vanderwerff Bob & Nancy Norfleet Tom Kirby-Smith Greensboro Voice or want to join Will & Victoria Duffy John and Anne Haydock Paula & Joe Yost Lynn Bustle our newspaper team? Laurie White Allison Swafford The Greensboro Voice’s team welcomes feedback from the communi- James & Karen Evans Joyce Powers ty about how we can improve our newspaper. We also always welcome Mary Alexander Steve Schlosser new team members to our group. For more information e-mail us at [email protected]. we are grateful for your support PAGE 6

THE GREENSBORO VOICE Community Resources Meals SUNDAYS 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. SATURDAYS 8:00 a.m. First Presbyterian Church 8:00 a.m. Center City Park Corner of N. Elm and N. Greene Center City Park by Burrito Bikers by Awaken City Church (Enter from Greene Street and go to the Mullen Life Center building) 200 N. Elm Street 200 N. Elm Street WEDNESDAYS 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Nu Life Church Shuttle from Center City Park to Potter’s House Greensboro Urban Ministry 209 W. Florida Street Northside Baptist Church, 305 W. Lee Street 1100 East Cornwallis Drive 8:30 a.m. (Last Saturday only) 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Muirs Chapel United Methodist Church 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Potter’s House Greensboro Urban Ministry 314 Muirs Chapel Road Potter’s House Greensboro Urban Ministry 305 W. Lee Street 305 W. Lee Street 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. (1st Wednesday of month only) Potter’s House Greensboro Urban Ministry 12:30pm Guilford Baptist Church 305 W. Lee Street Center City Park 5904 West Market Street by Th e Green Team 6:00 p.m. 200 N. Elm Street 11:00 a.m. (2nd Wednesday of month only) 16 Cents Ministry St. Stephen United Church of Christ Bridge at 300 Spring Garden St. 4:00 p.m. (3rd Sundays of month only) 1000 Gorrell Street by Faith Works Ministries

Parking Garage across from Center City Park, 4:00 p.m. Food Pantries corner of Friendly and Davie New Birth Sounds of Th under Christian Center 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Tuesdays & Th ursdays) 2300 S. Elm/Eugene Street St. Paul Baptist Church 5:00 p.m. 1309 Larkin Street Neighbors Under the Bridge 6:00 p.m. 336-275-4680 (Utility assistance Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) Bridge at 300 Spring Garden St. Grace Community Church (hotdogs and chips) 643. W. Lee St. 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m (Monday - Friday) Shiloh Baptist Church MONDAYS THURSDAYS 1210 South Eugene Street 7:45 a.m. 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Potter’s House Greensboro Urban Ministry 336-272-1166 Center City Park Utility assistance may be available by the Chicken Lady and Friends 305 W. Lee Street corner of W. Friendly and Davie 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Wednesdays) (If raining, it is served in the parking garage.) 6:00 p.m. St. Phillip AME Zion Church First Presbyterian Church 1330 Ashe Street 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Corner of N. Elm and N. Greene (Enter from Greene Street and go to the Mullen Life Center building) 336-272-1301 Potter’s House Greensboro Urban Ministry (Clothing bank also available) 305 W. Lee Street FRIDAYS 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. (Monday - Th ursday) 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Word of Life Food Pantry Potter’s House Greensboro Urban Ministry Food Not Bombs at the IRC Call 336-517-7755 407 E. Washington Street 305 W. Lee Street Th e Servant Center Grocery Assistance Program 7:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 1312 Lexington Avenue Re4Him Monday Night Meal in front of the New Birth Sounds of Th under Christian Center 336-275-8585 courthouse corner of Green and Washington 2300 S. Elm/Eugene Street 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Tuesdays and Th ursdays) TUESDAYS 6:00 p.m. St. Paul Missionary Baptist 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Neighbors Under the Bridge 1309 Larkin Street Grace United Methodist Church Bridge at 300 Spring Garden St. (Utility assistance on Tuesdays) 438 West Friendly Avenue (At intersection with N. Edgeworth, diagonally across from Hardee’s.) 6:00 p.m. (First Fridays only) Greensboro Christian Church Temporary Shelters 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 3232 Yanceyville St. Weaver House at the Greensboro Urban Ministry Potter’s House Greensboro Urban Ministry (Transporation from Central Library available at 5:45 p.m.) (Guests receive three meals a day) 305 W. Lee Street 305 W. Lee Street 336-553-2665 Access 24 Call Centers

Th e Guilford Center Information Services Domestic Violence Line NAMI Hotline (Mental Health Services) United Way 211 1-800-853-5163 336-273-7273 336-370-4264 1-888-892-1162 PAGE 7

THE GREENSBORO VOICE

Greensboro Urban Ministry Malachi House II Pathways Housing 3603 Burlington Road (for families with children only) 336-375-0900 3517 N. Church Street 336-271-5988 Other Resources Room at the Inn of the Triad Joblink Career Center (Temporary housing for homeless, pregnant 303 N. Raleigh Street women) 336-373-5922 336-275-0206 Focused Sistas Outreach Mary’s House 336-501-6570 or 965-8739 (for single mothers recovering from substance Open Monday through Friday from abuse issues) 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 520 Guilford Avenue Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 336-275-0820 Goodwill Industries Salvation Army Center of Hope 1235 S. Eugene Street 1311 S. Eugene Street 336-275-9801 336-273-5572 Rabbit Quarter Ministries Act Together Crisis Care (Youth ages 11-17) 2904 Esco Place 1601 Huffi ne Mill Road High Point, NC 27260 336-375-1332 336-307-0119

Jerico House Renewal Center for Battered Women (Ex-off enders only shelter, meals, clothing and Brenda McGibbone, Nessbaum Ceter counseling) 336-988-7622 2824 Liberty Road Phone 275-9625 or 275-9628 Do you know a resource we should add to this page? Resource Centers If so, please e-mail our team at Family Service of the Piedmont [email protected] 315 E. Washington Street 336-387-6161

Beloved Community Center 437 Arlington Street 336-370-4330 Joseph’s House Resource Center The Interactive Resource Center assists 1600 E. Wendover Avenue 336-389-9880 people who are homeless, recently Open Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. homeless or facing homelessness reconnect with their own lives and Interactive Resource Center 407 E. Washington Street with the community at large. 336-332-0824 Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. INTERACTIVE Women’s Resource Center RESOURCE 628 Summit Avenue 336-275-6090

Sherri Denese Jackson Foundation CENTER @gsodaycenter www.facebook.com/gsodaycenter for Domestic Violence Prevention 2200 East Market Street Suite B 336-510-9292 gsodaycenter.org (336)332-0824 PAGE 8

THE GREENSBORO VOICE Pushed to the Corner: Women Who Fly Signs by Elizabeth Chiseri-Strater

ave you ever wondered about the or with friends.” They need jobs but have no Hpeople who beg on street corners training and no references. Another prob- and “fly signs” that say things like: “Hun- lem in trying to assist these women, said gry—Anything Helps” or “Lost Job” or Stephanie, is that “they won’t come in off “Help Feed My Children?” You might ask the streets” to get help. They have gotten yourself if these people are homeless, and used to their lives and are afraid of change, do they have mental health issues or sub- and change would require going through stance abuse problems? Stephanie Thom- so much red tape that they find it easier as, staff writer and photographer for The doing what they know: flying signs. Greensboro Voice, wondered in particular Stephanie did manage to convince one about women who fly signs and has writ- of the women she came to know well, ten an upcoming book about interviewing that she was “smart enough and strong them. She spent a year and a half recording enough” to begin the process of re-entry the stories of eighteen women in Greens- into mainstream society. Jessie, whose boro who fly signs on Battleground and success story is part of Stephanie’s book, Wendover Avenues, becoming immersed finally escaped an abusive situation, in the lives of two of the women she would stopped begging, went to school, and eventually call friends. Pushed to the Cor- now has a home and a stable family life. ner, shares these women’s lives and cir- The other women remain on the street, cumstances, and reveals that most of the which is discouraging to Stephanie be- stereotypes people hold about women cause they are so “fragile” and “vulnera- who beg are false. In a recent interview ble.” They don’t seem capable, Stephanie with Stephanie, I was curious to discover says, of thinking long term. They are very what she had learned from her time on much surviving “day to day.” the street with the women. When I asked her what effect writing Stephanie found that the women she in- this book had on her, Stephanie admitted terviewed were “eager to talk with her that after a while “she gave up” and took about their lives and reasons they were on a break because the situation was so de- the street.” Many of the women had previ- pressing. When she returned to finish her ously been housed and had relatively stable research, she began to understand that lives but bad circumstances had pushed there was more in these individuals’ lives them to the corners to do the only thing than simply begging. Besides the pain and they could think to do: beg for money. The suffering she found in the women on the kind of help these women needed, said street corners, she also witnessed their Stephanie, went way beyond the few dol- courage, faith and care for each other. lars they earned flying their signs. Most Stephanie remains “passionate” about of the women had little education, some these women on the streets and you will were developmentally delayed, physically feel empathy as well for them when you disabled, abused, and still others needed read Stephanie’s book. While it is not yet to be in rehab for their various addictions. available in print, you can check out www. But there is no one local resource that can pushedtothecorner.com for more infor- help most of these women since they need mation about Pushed to the Corner. far more help than is available. And many The one thing that we can all do to help “don’t qualify for services since they don’t is to give money to non-profits such as the have an address, or if they are considered IRC and Urban Ministry rather than di- housed because they sleep in a hotel room rectly to the women who fly.