Content categorized as Vendor Profile

King of the Road: Saul Aroha Nui Tea’s path to healing through puppeteering

Street Sense Media vendor Saul Aroha Nui Tea explains how puppeteering came to play the role of therapy in his life and breaks down his latest folk opera.

Morgan Jones is selling more than newspapers, he’s making his own soap

Jones knows the importance of cleanliness.

Safe, secure, and positive: Moyo Onibuje on his new home in Columbia Heights

Vendor Moyo Onibuje discusses his experience finding housing, the comforts of his new home, and his ambitions for the future.

A style all his own: Franklin Sterling on his life and poems

Writing poems since he was a teenager, Street Sense Media artist and vendor Franklin Sterling has developed a unique style based in medieval English and blending other languages to create something all his own.

This Christmas, a man celebrates the 10th anniversary of reuniting with his family 

Jeffery McNeil’s story of what led him to being homeless, and how he dealt with it.

How an unlikely friendship led a homeless man to housing

Reed and Anthony met by chance in 2010. Two years later, they embarked on a journey to get Anthony off the street.

Marcus McCall, a mentor in the making

A young man once under the care of the city’s foster care system makes a life for himself as an emancipated adult.

How homeless cats healed a homeless woman

Connie Porter, known as Southeast Washington’s “Cat Lady,” talks about her passion for cats and how caring for them positively impacted her life.

Despite homelessness, an artist continues his work

An artist uses Street Sense Media to advance his goal of ending his homelessness and pursuing his art.

After having his identity stolen, Vincent Watts found his true self

Vincent Watts struggled after having his identity stolen, but has found his true self in the process.

A real opportunity

Eric Thompson-Bey discusses his journey to getting a job in a restaurant, which began when he obtained an externship through a culinary program called Real Opps located at Thrive D.C.

A wish for my friend and co-worker

A get well letter from the Street Sense Media Team to Toni, a Street Sense vendor.

On the other side of the glass: One man’s journey from the street to a home

Having escaped years of chronic homelessness, David doesn’t have to look far to remember how far he’s come.

Epileptic electrician, Marcellus Phillips, lights up basement apartment

Marcellus Phillips has battled epilepsy for 20 years, the last of which he has spent sleeping on his sister’s living room floor. After a persistent effort, he now can depend on a monthly disability payment.

Michael Warner is preparing to organize Democrats in 2018

Michael Warner, a Street Sense vendor and longtime organizer in Democratic politics, has been accepted into a prestigious training program at the DCCC. We looked back at his life up to this point and spoke with him about his future plans.

Vendor Profile: John Littlejohn

A vendor profile of John Littlejohn, who has worked for Street Sense since 2010.

The agony and the ecstasy of Wendell Williams

Vendor Wendell Williams shares his personal journey, rising through the ranks in the radio broadcast industry and finding his way to personally overcome addiction and chronic homelessness.

Literacy Helped Jeffery McNeil Pull Himself Out of Homelessness

Street Sense Vendor Jeff McNeil’s discovery of reading and writing helped turn his life around.

After homelessness put her education on hold, Sheila White is accepted at UDC

Sheila White has found her way back to the classroom despite years of being forced to postpone her education.

Patty Smith Celebrates 2-year Anniversary in Housing

June 16, 2017 marks the two-year anniversary of Patty Smith moving into housing at the Valenti House in Woodley Park.