Fifteen years ago, a new and unique partnership was forged in Washington, D.C. Concerned about the growing affordable housing crisis, Laura Thompson Osuri and Ted Henson joined forces with men and women who were homeless to publish a newspaper called Street Sense. Their relationship was based on a belief that shared talent, ability, and collegiality could act as a springboard for individuals to propel themselves beyond homelessness. To be successful and lasting, they needed a third partner. You.
Your donations solidified the foundation of a multimedia center that continues to change lives and strengthen this community.
Your generous gifts have helped print over 3.7 million newspapers. You have given over 600 men and women a job. A pathway to a better life. An opportunity to redefine themselves. A chance to reconnect with our community. A platform to share their story. None of this would have been possible without you.
The rate of homelessness in Washington, D.C. is the worst in the nation, and we know you are as concerned about this as we are. Street Sense Media provides an immediate economic opportunity for our homeless neighbors, but we could be doing more.
We have long wanted to move to weekly publication of the newspaper (we currently publish bi-weekly). This would increase the earning potential of an average Street Sense vendor by over 40 percent. But doing so would double our printing costs and require an additional staff position. We cannot do it without your help.
For four years we have been piloting a small, innovative job training program that prepares participants for work in the lucrative field of digital marketing. To grow it and enroll more vendors, we need your help.
Eighteen months ago, we launched a new case management program to help vendors navigate the complex pathways to housing, income supports, health and mental healthcare. This program literally saves lives, getting vendors off the street and into housing where their life expectancy drastically increases. This effort was begun with a two-year grant from a single donor that expires in the spring of 2019. To maintain this program, we need your help.
In honor of our 15th anniversary, and to help us achieve these critical goals, please consider making a generous contribution today. To encourage you to do so, our Board of Directors will match any amount you give, up to a total challenge amount of $30,000.
You have always been a critical part of our success. Your generosity has changed lives. We hope that we can count on your continued partnership through a generous year-end gift using the button below. We thank you for your support and wish you the very best this holiday season.
Sincerely,
Brian Carome
Executive Director
