From twilight to dawn: My journey of homelessness · From twilight to dawn: My journey of homelessness By Jonathan Fritz T he sun sets in October 2009. After facing evic-tion from

From twilight to dawn: My journey of homelessnessBy Jonathan Fritz

The sun sets in October 2009. After facing evic-tion from my home and

placing all of my belongings in storage just days before Hal-loween, I found myself traveling on what became a 16-month journey. I went shelter to shel-ter, covering a distance of nearly 70 miles in four different cities. This stretch may be the longest period of homelessness in my life, but it’s not my first. Since 2004, I have been on the “short-term” homeless list, twice in 2004 and once in 2001. How-ever, I was able to bounce back and recover without a problem. Unfortunately, this most recent experience was more challeng-ing. “Heavenly Father, help me make it through….”

First Stop: Samaritan Ministries

I drove my 1994 Grand Am into a safe parking space around the back of the men’s

shelter in Winston-Salem and walked toward the entrance on the corner of Patterson and Northwest. I stepped into the

line of 22 new arrivals on the sidewalk. A second group of “intakes,” around 40 men, took their queue on this walkway. At 7:00 p.m., the manager on duty opened the door for checking in. Once inside, a volunteer ordered me to place my duffel bag on the floor as he waved the metal de-tector around my body.

“You’re clear,” he assured me.Volunteers searched my bag

and assigned me a property bin and a number. When the regis-tration was done, I placed the duffel bag in my bin, gathered my bed linens and received my locker key, towel, personal hy-giene pack and washcloth. I quickly proceeded up the stairs to the second-floor dorm. The spacious, clean living quarters had wall lockers, ceiling cameras and a communal restroom with five washbasins and 10 showers. Metal-frame beds were neatly lined in rows next to one anoth-er, and against one wall were six double bunks.

After preparing my bed for the night, and locking my be-longings, I returned downstairs to eat and sit in the TV lounge. A wall of masonry and glass in

the rear of the lounge marked a ventilated smoke room, with 24-hour access for residents to smoke.

I spent only three weeks here I checked out after someone I had considered a trustworthy friend offered me a room in his apartment for $100 a month. He

told me he had pity on me and wanted to help me get back on my feet. I gave him a down pay-ment and moved in. Sadly, for reasons unexplained, he told me to leave on my third day in the apartment. I was devastated and at a loss for words.

Continued on pages 4 and 5

BEING A HOMELESS WOMANRead one woman’s story about how she faces

daily life as a female on the streets. >>PAGE #10

WHY ARE YOU WALKING HERE?Learn more about trespassing,

an issue affecting homeless people. >>PAGE #8

greensborovoice The Greensboro Voice [email protected] www.greensborovoice.org8

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 8 July 2011PRINTING NEWS THAT DOESN’T FIT

MARY YOST | PHOTOGRAPHER

During Jonathan Fritz’s most recent experience with homelessness, he learned a lot about his community, himself and the Triad region. In May 2011, he moved into a friend’s home and has stable housing.

Philadelphia gives face to homelessnessAccording to the Street News Service,

More than 250 volunteers in Philadelphia, Pa., are fighting for homeless people. As part of the 100,000 Homes campaign, the volun-teers scoured all parts of the city to create a list of homeless individuals. Those homeless individuals were then compiled to create a registry that rates those people who are most vulnerable, meaning those who have suf-fered from long-term homelessness, those who are facing illness, violence, etc. These ratings are then used to create a priority list for who can receive a house. The registry is meticulously detailed and includes photo-graphs of everyone surveyed.

The team has not been afraid to search some of the most desolate and poor areas of Philadelphia. It has been confirmed that 50 of the must vulnerable members of the homeless population will be housed in the next year. The volunteer team hopes to place these people into 100,000 homes across the country by July 2013.

“Philadelphia will become the first major city in America to end homelessness,” May-or Michael Nuttler said.

Homelessness drops in L.A., rises among veterans

Since 2009, homelessness has been on the decline in Los Angeles. However, the Huff-ington Post reported that according to a re-port released by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, homelessness among veterans has risen 24 percent in the past two years. Many organizations have tried to sue the Department of Veterans Affairs over the lack of supportive housing for veterans. These new statistics may lead to new reform efforts.

Of those homeless veterans, it is believed that 31 percent are chronically homeless, which means they have not had a place to call home for more than one year. The ACLU and other organizations have made statements that chronically homeless indi-viduals in Los Angeles would benefit from

supportive housing on the Department of Veteran Affair’s west LA campus. This 387-acre plot of land was specifically designed to provide housing for disabled veterans. How-ever, construction has yet to begin.

Job opportunities for homeless veteransThe Huffington Post reported on June 9

that the U.S. Department of Labor had an-nounced that grant applications for the Urban and Non-Urban Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) had be-come available. Employers now have 30 days to apply for 16 different grants that total $5 million. This money is predicted to help as many as 3,000 homeless veterans achieve employment. These grants are available to organizations and companies. Educational outlets are especially encouraged to apply.

The funds will hopefully help veterans be trained and reintegrated into stable jobs, which will in turn promote and lead to sta-ble lifestyles.

Kobe Bryant’s family fights homelessnessThe Huffington Post has reported that fa-

mous power couple Kobe and Vanessa Bry-ant are uniting to fight homelessness. At a press conference reporon June 7, the couple announced their intention to “help [home-less youth] kick butt and build self-sufficient lives.” The Bryants are forming a new char-ity initiative, the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF), to attempt to eliminate homelessness in Los Angeles.

Between 7,000 and 10,000 people of L.A.’s homeless population are under the age of 24. As new parents, this statistic hit home for the Bryants. The couple knew they wanted to put their efforts into an organization that affects their neighborhood. The Bryants’ charity plans to partner with other exist-ing aid organizations such as My Friend’s Place and Step Up On Second, in order to raise funds, improve resources and services, and increase awareness about the homeless

The Greensboro Voice was created by a group of volunteers in September 2010. As we are a new and growing organization, we are always seeking interested team members. Please join our group!

Homelessness News in Brief

News was compiled by Perri Kritz from previously published articles.

Page Two


Mission StatementOur 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 homelessness, facing potential homelessness and the resources that are available to help those in need. This newspaper is for everyone: homeless individuals, housed individuals, students, parents and anyone else who wants to have their voice heard. We hope the awareness gained from our newspaper will encourage the community to have a discussion about issues and people that are normally ignored.

Join Our TeamMembers of Greensboro’s community who want to end poverty and homelessness publish The Greensboro Voice. We welcome you to our team. Meetings are held at the Interactive Resource Center on Fridays from 1:00–3:00 p.m. We invite all interested reporters, editors, photographers and designers.

This issue was produced by: Cristina Bryant, ReporterElizabeth Chiseri-Strater, EditorRobert “Shorty” Decker, ReporterJonathan Fritz, Reporter Jennifer Holleran, Design VolunteerRhonda “Boot” Hylar, ReporterPerri Kritz, Marketing InternBob Norfleet, VolunteerMajik Pennix, ReporterTodd Pittsley, ReporterDavid Reed, Design & LayoutClarette Sutton, ReporterMary Yost, EditorJermaine Ziglar, Reporter

Greensboro VoiceTHE

By Bob Norfleet

Every great organization begins as a dream in the mind of someone who

wants to help others. Barbara Davis’ story is no exception.

Barbara created the Han-dyCapable Network because she cares for others. When this dream was being tossed around, Barbara was not technologically savvy, so her dream was not go-ing to happen without a lot of hard work dedicated to learning about computers. Her vision in-cluded helping developmentally disabled people achieve their goals because she thinks they of-ten do not reach their full poten-tial due to negative stereotypes.

The mission of the Handy-Capable Network is to promote self-sufficiency and enrich the lives of people who are chal-lenged by a disability or poor economic status. In other words, they want to “put a mouse in every house.” The idea of teach-ing a developmentally disabled person to refurbish a computer that can be sold at a minimal cost to a low-income person or nonprofit organization came to Barbara when she worked as a group home manager.

Barbara wanted to bring computers and disabled people together by training the disabled to repair donated computers so the HandyCapable Network could sell them at a low price to the less fortunate. Barbara un-derstood there was a need for a computer-learning center for the disabled. She also knew she needed to “develop her geek-side” if she could find it. She reached her goal!

Barbara teaches disabled peo-ple to be stronger critical think-ers and problem solvers by us-ing certain teaching techniques. Her biggest challenge is helping disabled people learn several basic steps to breaking down a computer and doing the repairs and other necessary tasks. The learning method Barbara uses most often is called “kinesthetic learning,” which refers to learn-ing something by repetition. The several processes of breaking down, cleaning and refurbish-ing a computer require a lot of repeat touching. It takes almost three months to fully train a HandyTech team member.

How does it work?The HandyCapable Network

accepts contributions of used desktop and laptop computers, working 17” monitors, print-ers and other computer-relat-ed items from donors. Once received, all computers are cleaned inside and out with an air gun. Then all information on the hard drive is erased to meet HIPAA regulations. Next, the HandyTech’s, which is a team of volunteers with developmental and physical disabilities, install Microsoft XP Professional as well as freeware, such as Open Office. Finally, they install a free anti-virus package. The finished product is then sold at a very low price to a disabled person or person who, due to their eco-nomic situation, cannot afford to pay the normal market price.

HandyCapable saves many computers from going to Greensboro’s waste center through this process, which helps save our environment.

Currently, 130,000 computers are dumped into landfills daily across the United States. More than 3,800 computers have been donated to HandyCapable by Triad businesses and people.

HandyCapable is registered as a Microsoft refurbisher. When a desktop or laptop computer leaves their shop, the customer receives a quality computer for a very little cost, usually between $100 to $175. This price does not cover the expenses incurred by the organization. Much of these operational expenses and sup-plies are paid for by grant money and contributions received from corporations and individuals.

HandyCapable’s staff installed several computers at the Interac-tive Resource Center. Will How-ard, who oversees the computer lab, said these computers have made a big difference.

Want to learn more? HandyCapable is an organi-

zation that is about helping low-

income people survive what life has thrown at them by giving them a computer. The Handy-Capable Network also created HandyCapable Solutions (HCS), which sells their information technology expertise to non-profit organizations. HSC is a valuable service that allows cus-tomers to concentrate on their own mission and not worry about technology problems.

For more information, vis-it HandyCapable’s website at www.handycapable.org

Local NewsHandyCapable lends low-income, disabled helping hand

Page Three

Bob Norfleet is a North Carolina native. He graduated with sociology

and economics degrees from Guilford College. He later spent six years as an officer in the U.S. Marines. After that, Bob was a banker for 40 years and retired in April 2010. He now does volunteer work with Greensboro Urban Ministry and The Greensboro Voice.

HANDYCAPABLE | PHOTOGRAPHER

The HandyCapable Network teaches disabled people how to refurbish computers, which are then sold to low-income people or nonprofit organizations in the community for a low cost.

Almost 60 percent of Americans will spend at least one year living below the poverty line at some point between ages 25 and 75, according to Family Promise.

“Where to go? How will I make it out on the street?” These thoughts ran through me head.

After exchanging words with my former friend and taking a few deep breaths, I re-membered hearing about a shelter in Lex-ington: Crisis Ministry. I quickly learned that Lexington’s residents easily warmed up to strangers!

I patiently endured my stay at Crisis Min-istry for nearly eight months, from the week before Thanksgiving 2009 until the end of June 2010. I hated waking up most morn-ings at 6 a.m. and being sent out by staff for a large portion of the day, from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. However the relationships I made there were enjoyable. During my stay, I worked a couple of seasonal jobs deliver-ing phone books in Salisbury and chauf-feured shelter residents to different locations around the state. All of these errands helped keep fuel in my car.

Independence Day 2010

Fireworks exploded over Grimsley High School and the Grasshoppers baseball stadium. I was among the 30 people

who stood in the parking lot adjoining the Lee Street entrance of the Greensboro Ur-ban Ministry to watch the show. This was my second day at the Weaver House, which is an adult shelter for men and women. It is located just blocks from downtown Greens-boro.

Tucked in my pocket was a two-month resident card, which I had to use in order to get back inside the building. The dorms were on the second floor. I enjoyed the sleeping schedules here far better than any other shelter I had lived in: residents had to be downstairs by 7 a.m. on weekdays, and 9:30 a.m. on weekends. Since the dayroom was downstairs, we could stay indoors for most of the day. The staff would send guests outside after the end of breakfast and before dinner and let us return to the dayroom when the cleaning crew had finished.

The Weaver House sponsored different support groups five days a week, which gave guests an opportunity for fellowship with others and to discuss issues related to their lives and their stay at Weaver House. I made an effort to attend meetings at least three days a week. I definitely benefited from be-ing there.

After my time at the Weaver House was up on the first few days of September 2010, I headed for Burlington’s Allied Churches night shelter, which is located 25 miles east.

Burlington

This quiet city of 55,000 people is the home of LabCorp and Allied Church-es. When I arrived at the night shel-

ter and soup kitchen, about 45 men, wom-en, children and infants lived there. After registering with the manager on duty and securing my belongings in my car trunk, I prepared my bed in the men’s dorm, which is a small room with 20 double bunks. Ev-ery day, residents are required to vacate the premises of the building from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 pm, except when the weather is too ex-treme. On an average day, the kitchen serves 200 people for lunch, not including the resi-dents, who also enjoy evening dinners made by churches and other organizations.

While I stayed at the shelter, the soup kitchen had its own chef, who also worked as a chef at one the well-known barbeque restaurants. I told him quite often that his meals were “six-and-seven-star meals” be-cause he really did put his heart and soul into his cooking! I volunteered to work in the kitchen and night shelter office, where I found numerous opportunities to wash pots and pans, carry and store food and cloth-ing donations from the public, answer office phones and distribute mail to residents, and clean the restrooms and dining hall floor.

Allied Churches’ staff was friendly, and I enjoyed visiting the Elon University library and riding the BioBus. When my time as a resident at the Allied Churches ran out near the end of January 2011, I returned to the Weaver House

Winter Emergency Shelter

It was chilly and windy on the January evening that I enrolled with the Win-ter Emergency (WE!) Program at the

Weaver House. I still had time remaining on my waiting period for readmission as a regular resident, which meant that I would be sleeping on the floor in the dayroom on first floor. This was a frustrating first week for me because WE! participants could not use Weaver House’s showers or place their belongings in lockers or storage.

Around the second week, a staff member suggested that I sign up with Pleasant Gar-den Baptist Church, where their WE! staff members transported men every night from the Weaver House to their buildings just south of the Gate City. I agreed to the offer, and boarded one of two vans transporting 25 men to the church on my first night in Pleasant Garden.

What a contrast! All around the property I had noticed well-manicured landscap-ing, dynamic architecture, immaculate sur-

Page Four


Continued from page 1


Jonathan spent part of his journey in Burlington.

Continued on page 5

Jonathan’s 16-month journey of homelessness (continued)

roundings, a relaxed atmosphere, friendly volunteers, access to hot showers and make-shift cots supplied with real pillows, bed lin-ens and comfortable blankets. We woke up at 6 a.m. because the vans were scheduled to drop riders off at the Depot or meet with the PART bus at the Pleasant Garden Park-and-Ride.

I participated in this WE! Program until the second week of February 2011. At that time, the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope approved my request for residency there.

Center of Hope

On my final morning at the WE! shel-ter, I answered my cell phone to accept the invitation from the Cen-

ter of Hope! I hurried to see the staff later that morning and found myself lying on my dorm bed early in the afternoon. Little did I know that this would be my final shelter

address and the beginning of the end of my 16-month journey! A new path to my fourth restoration since 2004 was taking form.

The staff assigned me a caseworker, who was responsible for making sure that I was actively seeking work and attending the center’s job skills classes, one of the require-ments for new residents. I also attended job skills classes at the Interactive Resource Center to adopt more than one style of job skills knowledge. Because of the confiden-tiality clause residents have to sign with the Salvation Army, I’m not allowed to tell you about my daily activities and schedules while at the Center of Hope. But I can say that it’s a good place to live if you don’t mind structure with protocol.

I was planning to live out my entire year’s allotment at the Center, when around the first week of May, which was the same time that I reported to work at my new part-time job at the Greensboro airport, an unexpect-ed change flew my way! A church friend

called me and offered me one of the bed-rooms in his house for rent. Unlike the Win-ston-Salem deal that I had accepted back in 2009, this one was definitely for real!

May 2011It’s early-morning dawn and the light

of the day strengthens. I moved out of the Salvation Army and into a house. A new chapter of independence opens for me and I slowly continue to close the book on my 16-month journey of homelessness. The rays of midday sunshine blends into soothing af-ternoon skies, a scene filled with happy blue and lots of hope!

Local NewsPage Five

Jonathan Fritz, a South Carolina native and recent transplant to Greensboro, has lived in the Triad region since 2000. His interests include bicycling,

bowling, traveling and reading Scripture.

By Anasa Sinegal

Apparently, I’m a natural observer. Or maybe that’s just a fancy way of saying that I’m nosey. Either way,

for the last four months I’ve been putting my skills to work by observing the observ-ers. My school allowed me to look at the way the volunteer staff of The Greensboro Voice arranges their monthly newspa-pers. So, I’ve been peeking into the world of street newspapers and getting to know the people who are telling you their stories and presenting you their news.

At the same time, I’ve had the chance to look at one of the United States’ oldest street papers, Spare Change News. This newspaper has been in existence since 1992 and serves readers in Boston, Mass. I looked at their first year of publication and, nearly 20 years later, I see some simi-larities between it and The Greensboro Voice.

Each paper began differently. How-ever, many of the same challenges and achievements seem to be present within the lives of the staff members and within the publishing process itself. James Shear-er, president of the board of directors for Spare Change News, was an original staff member of the newspaper. He and several friends created the idea of distributing a newspaper one night at a Boston shelter.

“We were frustrated with the way the system worked in Boston at the time,” Shearer said. “We wanted to give home-lessness a face, to diffuse all the myths and the stereotypes.”

I’ve heard similar sentiments from homeless writers here in Greensboro.

“I saw what was going on here and I saw how homeless people were being treated and it galled me,” Robert “Shorty” Decker said.

The sentiments mirror each other. The team in Boston also had some of the same

difficulties in maintaining the presence of their newspaper as the Greensboro staff is currently having. The Boston writers wait-ed months just to see their first edition.

“We were trying to recruit people who were eventually going to be vendors by word of mouth,” Shearer said. “We were trying to get the word out about what we were going to do and, basically, just trying to hold it together because we were on the street.”

The Greensboro Voice has seen many homeless writers come and go. I guess that’s the nature of the street newspaper. Some people get jobs and that’s a good thing. Some people are just never heard from again. Despite all of that, Spare Change News is still around and one of its founders is now on the board of a non-profit organization.

I’d like to see history repeat itself here in Greensboro.

A tale of two cities: Street papers in Greensboro and Boston

Continued from page 4

Page SixMore than 1.5 million people live below the poverty line in North Carolina, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

By Tony Clay Shame, heartache, abandonment, loneliness, lethargy.

Now the chilly Carolina windis blowing against my body again.And I am sinking, deeper and deeperinto the chilly Carolina sand.Well you know you belonginside my aching heart.And cannot you see my faded lifetimefalling apart?And cannot you hear me crying,“Oh! Babe, do not go.”And cannot you hear me screaming,“How was I to know?”

I’m in the middle of nowhere, at the end of my line,just hoping for a little chance to pass my time.

Let me have another momentto see the light of day, or take me to anotherplace where I will not have to stay.

For I really need someone who will make me feel like you do. I really need somebodywith open eyes, open mind, open up our hearts and let the light of love shine through.I’m crying out loud, do you not knowthat I love you?

I am dying inside, I cannot be without you.For coming into my roomwhen you knew that I was alone.For finding me a highwayfor driving me home.You have to know, for that I that I thank you,For pulling me away

when I started to fall,for reviving engine when I started to stall.You have to know, for that I need you.For giving and for takingand for playing the game.For planning for my futurein my days that remained.You have to know for that I serve you.

But most of all, for crying out loud,do you not know that I love you?

Tony Clay is a born-again Christian since March 1995 and has been in the ministry for 14 years. He was born in Nottingham, England and spent seven years in Australia. He was a textile consultant for 25 years. Tony has been a U.S. citizen for 19 years and a tractor-trailer driver for 13 years. He has two sons, Sam and Dave, that live in Florida.


I Shall Go On

By Cristina Bryant

I’m in a new world. I’m becoming a country girl.I’ve enjoyed fishing at the lake for the first time,winding roads to travel upon.

The country is a nice place,wall-to-wall farms all about,the distant sounds of animals in the woods,crickets in the night,stars in the sky.

We have a garden out back where our two dogs roam.I’m happy in my new home.

Country Girl

CRISTINA BRYANT | ARTIST

Pics & PoemsPage Seven

By Majik Pennix

Into the sky with wings of gold different colors portray big and bold. Flying south and west the clan stay near, the boutique of flowers will soon disappear.

Black crosses over yellow,pink crosses over blue,from night to evening, drinking the morning dew.As silent as a lamb, and tickles to the touch.Sometimes silence is all around me, but not as much.

Sunshine blue skies are the ride to freedom,racing to the fileds and pastures to meet them.

Clean air all around me with no human destruction,multiply many with natures own seduction

Far distances to overlasting end,the circles of patterns will soon begin

Only running streams and plants of all kinds,can appreciate the gentles in the innocent minds.Beauty so rare that will never come again,only few remain and dare you call it SIN.

Transformation that was given from above,nurture and care and then its called LOVE.Flocks so free without a worry,you need to come and see.Run fast and in a hurry.

As the suns sets, playtime comes to an end.On the next beautiful day, it has started all over again.

Thoughts of Spring to Summer

SHANNON STEWART | ARTIST

SHANNON STEWART | ARTIST

By Bob Norfleet

Oh, little friend....still man....torn and white.What made you gain the courage to fight?Your hair is disheveled and matted in sweat,and drools of crimson decorate your chest.Oh, why do you stare so empty and quiet?Little man....quiet friend....torn and white!

Oh Little Friend

Editorial: Why are you walking through here?

Page EightOn any given night, almost 2,900 children experience homelessness in North Carolina, according to the 2011 point-in-time count for homelessness.


By Clarette Sutton

It’s one thing to be homeless and another to have to take long, hot walks. A lot of people that walk know a few shortcuts,

just like me. Recently, two people I know took the

evening train from Raleigh to Greensboro. After getting off the train, they decided they would take a shortcut. They exited the train depot and headed toward the tracks to take the shortcut, only to be stopped by a bicycle police officer and several city officers. They received a ticket for trespassing on railroad property. After reviewing the ticket and charges, it was decided that they were le-gally able to cross the tracks. How can you travel on a train and get off to receive a tres-pass charge from the same company? It be-hooves me.

I went back with them to the tracks and asked them to show me where they crossed. We did not see any “No Trespassing” signs where they walked.

I frequently travel by train. On my depar-ture one day, I filmed the railroad and where I thought they would walk through. There was a great shortcut to get to Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, but they did not go that way. There were “No Trespassing” signs for the apartments and in other places near the de-pot, but they did not travel in any of those directions.

My friends even tried to reason with the officers and show them their train tickets, but that was to no avail. They received tick-ets as well as a call for back-up with almost four officers present.

I was recently in a meeting and was told that the city was building the jail to fill it up. I wonder if this was a tactic for home-less people or did they just get caught up? My friends did have clear bags with clothes

instead of suitcases and may have appeared to be homeless.

According to general statutes, these two people did not trespass. No one told them they could not travel across the track. Be-sides, a train ticket should give the holder permission to use the tracks as a means of walking.

Upon traveling down Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, I almost saw a sign. I do not know what it said because trees covered it. If it says, “No Trespassing” that sign is com-ing off Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and not Davis Street. People walk across the Elm Street track every day. Are they trespassing or was this an attempt for the Raleigh Am-trak to get back at one gentleman because he did not have an ID? I questioned the Amtrak attendant and asked for documents on how a person with no ID can board the train. Two government forms or a letter from the police department are sufficient if you are ever in that situation.

I have one question for Greensboro’s police officers: Can’t you find more serious crimes to pursue, such as First Friday and all the alcohol in the streets.? A homeless person is three times as likely to be cited for beer or alcohol than downtown Greensboro people. Is this fair?

People are watching homeless individuals being treated differently. Who has a voice for them? The Greensboro Voice.

Homeless people cannot afford a place to sleep, nonetheless a stupid ticket.

Clarette Sutton is a youth advocate and minister who spends much of her time helping others. She is founder of EMOTIONS Organization, and Prayer, Praise and

Healing Outreach Ministry of Warsaw, N.C.

How can you travel on a train and get off to receive

a trespass charge from the same company? It behooves me.


Homeless individuals frequently receive tickets for trespassing. Whether they are trying to take a shortcut to alleviate some of the hardships faced during their long walks, or are looking for a place to sleep at night, homeless people are in a catch-22 situation when it comes to trespassing.

By Elizabeth Chiseri-Strater

Jessie Watkins is the security guard at the Interactive Re-source Center (IRC) who

greets everyone with a hearty smile as he searches each staff member and guest who en-ters the homeless day center on Washington Street. Once having the job of being Santa Claus, Jes-sie’s attitude toward his work at the IRC is positive and upbeat. Jessie knows what it feels like to be homeless because he was once in that position.

“I can relate to the guests,” he said.

Jessie ended up homeless when after a four month trip on the road working for Allied Moving because he found him-self without any of his personal belongings or his former hous-ing when he returned. Jessie then went to Weaver House and, like many others there, came to

the IRC where he volunteered in the computer lab.

He obtained his current job after an argument between guests turned violent and other guests asked for more security at the IRC. Liz Seymour, execu-tive director, asked Jessie to ap-ply for the security guard posi-tion and he was hired. No longer homeless, Jessie likes the family feeling of the IRC and its staff where, he says, “everyone jokes around.” There have been no other violent arguments since Jessie accepted this position.

Jessie praises the IRC for it many services. Of the eight men who spent time together at the Weaver House, seven of them were able to get jobs with the help of Will Howard’s computer and resume-building classes.

Jessie has held other jobs, such as truck driving and work-ing at a foundry. He thinks nurs-ing may be his next career.

“My mom is my inspiration,” he said. “There were eight of us kids and she kept us together, along with my dad who was al-ways working.”

Jessie has five kids who are

all in various stages of attending college.

Jessie welcomes everyone who comes to the IRC.

“I just love helping people,” he said with a smile.

Local News

Meet Jessie: Santa Claus turned security guard

Page Nine

ELIZABETH CHISERI-STRATER| PHOTOGRAPHER

When a fight turned violent at The Interactive Resource Center, Jessie Watkins was asked to apply to become the security guard there. He enjoys being a part of the shelter where he once received services.

By Majik Pennix

Jon Pennix was forced out of his apart-ment a year ago because the landlord sold the property to UNCG. This pur-

chase of property in Glenwood has been under contention since that purchase. Jon had no choice but to enter a homeless shelter during the winter months. In April 2011, all sheltered ministries had to release residents from each church serving the homeless. Jon found help at the Focused Sista’s Outreach Program. This organiza-tion connected him with the Greensboro Housing Coalition to help find him per-

manent housing. After 30 days of attend-ing meetings with his housing specialist, he is now in a one-bedroom apartment. He continues to work and maintain his duties for this new apartment.

The Greensboro Housing Coalition helped Jon reap the benefits of the Home-lessness Prevention and Rapid-Rehousing Program (HPRP). HPRP has four stages of approval. The first step is refferal through a community agency. The second is pre-screening because there are elegibility re-quirements that must be met. In the third step, the agency schedules an interview with an HPRP case manager. Shortly after

that, a report is submitted to a commit-tee for a final interview. The last stage is either approval or denial. If denied, the committee may work with the case man-ager to find alternatives for the client. If a client is approved, they will be enrolled into the program. All approved clients are expected to dedicate 25-40 hours per week on household activities.

HPRP also has short-term and mid-term financial assistance and housing sta-bilization services. All programs through the Greensboro Housing Colation require income documentation from another gov-ernmental agency if they apply.

Jon Pennix is a HPRP success story

ReflectionsPage Ten

Parker WashburnThaddeus SeymourLee WilderBob & Nancy NorfleetWill & Victoria DuffyPaula & Joe YostLaurie White

Teresa & Bill HicksEileen PruferCarolyn GravesLaura MimsAlan BensonBob LangenfeldMr & Mrs. ED MannThe Hummel Family

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In Guilford County, more than 43,000 people live in poverty, according to the University of Geor-gia’s Initiative on Poverty and the Economy.

by Rhonda “Boot” Hylar

Greensboro is a nice place to live if you are homeless or not because our city takes care of its own. We

have resources that each of us can use. But if you aren’t used to these places, they can seem overwhelming for someone who has just become homeless due to job loss, loved ones passing on, drug or alcohol re-lated problems. Believe me, I’ve been in Greensboro for 33 years. I have not been homeless for 12 years.

However, on Feb. 20, 2011, Nathan Mitchell passed away. He was a very nice and kind man who took care of the bills and worked at Proximity Hotel on Green Valley Road. He didn’t want me to work, so for 12 years, I took care of the house

and dogs. Well, when he passed away, I lost the apartment needless to say.

Everybody has a reason for being home-less and some people enjoy this way of life. No bills, places to eat, sleep and shower, as well as clothing that is real easy to get. Salvation Army, the Interactive Resource Center, Greensboro Urban Ministry and other organizations provide clothing.

Jobs are the main reason that people re-main homeless because you need a job to afford a place to stay. Once you find this job, you will need electricity, water and heating and cooling to prepare for that job daily.

My advice to my fellow homeless peeps is to do something positive to get out of your situation. Help those who are trying to help you by volunteering! A little hu-

mor will carry you many miles, but in this heat, you have to be careful. Heat stroke is no joke. Please drink plenty of water and take more breaks from walking. Eat lots of fruit. Stay away from sodas because in the heat they are bad.

Well, I’ll write more next month, but before I end this, I was asked, “What is in a homeless woman’s purse?” Homeless women carry a small version of a kitchen sink! The items in my purse are things like makeup, shampoo, soap, an extra pair of socks and underwear, a hair brush, a toothbrush, a small sewing kit, first-aid cream, razors and an empty cigarette pack to put butts in.

Smile just one time and nothing but love,Rhonda

Rhonda reflects on being a homeless woman


Visit our website to read more and view photos from the event!

The IRC celebrated its new location opening with Greensboro’s First Friday celebrations.

ResourcesPage Eleven

SHELTERTrailways Housing407 E. Washington Street336-332-0824

Christian Counseling and Wellness Center (Temporary housing & counseling services)1118 Grecade Street336-273-8305

Greensboro Urban Ministry Weaver House (Housing, food and clothing assistance)305 W. Lee Street336-553-2665

Greensboro Urban Ministry Pathways Housing (for families with children)3517 N. Church Street336-271-5988

Mary’s House (for single mothers recovering from substance abuse issues)520 Guilford Avenue336-275-0821

Room at the Inn of the Triad (Temporary housing for homeless, pregnant women)734 Park Avenue336-275-0206

Salvation Army Center of Hope1311 S. Eugene Street336-273-5572

Act Together Crisis Care(Youth ages 11-17)1601 Huffine Mill Road336-375-1332

Joseph’s House(Youth ages 18-21)2703 E. Bessemer Avenue336-389-9880Hotline: 336-558-1695

FOODBreakfast7:00 – 8:15 a.m. at Beloved Community Center Hospitality House437 Arlington Street336-230-0001Serves on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

7:30 – 9:00 a.m. at St. Paul Baptist Church1309 Larkin Street336-275-4680Serves on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

7:00 a.m. at Potter’s House305 W. Lee Street336-271-5959Serves on Wednesday

8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Glenwood United Methodist Church1417 Glenwood Avenue336-274-7086Serves on Saturday

8:30 a.m. at Nu-Life Church209 W. Florida Street336-275-3243Serves on Saturday

Serves Lunch Everyday10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Potter’s House Community Kitchen305 W. Lee Street336-271-5959

Dinner5:00 p.m. Worship Service & MealNew Creation Community Presbyterian Church617 N. Elm Street336-478-4775Serves on Sunday

6:00 p.m. at the Central Library219 N. Church Street757-553-7947Serves on Monday

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church’s Mullin Life Center(arrive by 6:30 p.m.)617 N. Elm Street336-373-0445Serves on Tuesday & Thursday

5:30 p.m. at New Birth Sounds of Thunder 2300 S. Elm-Eugene Street336-324-7902Serves on Wednesday & Friday

6:00 p.m. at Grace Community Church643 W. Lee Street336-379-1936Serves on Wednesday

5:00 p.m. at Beloved Community Center Hospitality House437 Arlington Street336-230-0001Serves on Friday

COUNSELING & RESOURCE CENTERSFamily Service of the Piedmont315 E. Washington Street336-387-6161

The Servant Center Grocery Assistance Program1312 Lexington Avenue336-275-8585

Beloved Community Center437 Arlington Street336-370-4330Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 7:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Joseph’s House Resource Center2703 E. Bessemer Avenue336-389-9880Hotline: 336-558-1695Open Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Interactive Resource Center407 E. Washington Street336-332-0824Open Monday through Friday from

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Women’s Resource Center628 Summit Avenue336-275-6090

OTHER RESOURCESHealthServe1002 S. Eugene Street336-271-59991439 E. Cone Boulevard336-375-6104

Joblink Career Center303 N. Raleigh Street336-373-5922

New Company Spotlight:Vector Marketing

Written by Todd PittsleyI recall a saying repeated throughout my life, “Give a man a fish, feed

him for a day; teach a man to fish, feed him for a life time.” Simply giving a person money, food, and transition housing is a temporary solution; although one must crawl before they walk. We must be equipped with knowledge, skills, and resources in order to land the jobs that are open-ing up every day. Employment is out there; one must look diligently and not give up. You cannot give up, continue to search and remain positive. Compile all that you know and sell yourself.

Vector Marketing is associated with Cutco, fine cutlery. The position is sales and is set on a base pay of $15.00/scheduled meeting. One must set up their own appointments (best to start with family, church etc.), and then network outwards. Your salary is gauged by the amount of effort you put in, and you are your own boss. The training is 2-3 days (non -paid), but it is well worth the time. Pay is weekly. Call before to inquire about any dress code, or documentation required. I will continue to pass the word as I receive it concerning job opportunities. Please do the same, and feel free to give suggestions and contributions. Vector Marketing: 2300 Meadow View #107, (336) 315-1331.

ACCESS 24 CALL CENTER: THE GUILFORD CENTER INFORMATION

SERVICES1-800-853-5163

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS LINE336-273-7273

NAMI HOTLINE (MENTAL HEALTH

SERVICES)336-370-4264

UNITED WAY 2111-888-892-1162


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Documents

From twilight to dawn: My journey of homelessness · From twilight to dawn: My journey of homelessness By Jonathan Fritz T he sun sets in October 2009. After facing evic-tion from