Becoming a vendor for Street Sense has been an empowering experience. First, you definitely have to have an outgoing personality, as well as a good judgment of the mood of the people you serve. From what I’ve seen in my short time as a vendor, you have many different types of personalities you come in contact with. A common thing I’ve found is you must be able to accept rejection as well as praise with a smile.
A lot of Street Sense vendors get a sense of financial freedom they normally wouldn’t have. Being homeless means you sometimes have a sense of hopelessness; and this is a highly stressful feeling: of not knowing where your next dollar will come from. But being a vendor also gives you a sense of purpose I would not have normally had.
Also being a vendor is a way of networking. I’ve found you come in contact with a variety of people who may even help you, because they are concerned about you. They may be able to open life-doors you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. Becoming a vendor has brought a ray of sunshine to a dark existence. I love being a Street Sense vendor.
I was a little discouraged at first but a vendor invited me to come with him and meet some others. The vendor was Andre, and he got a lot of hellos and a lunch invitation from people who would not normally even acknowledge him. Seeing that made me a believer. Kind words, can sometimes go way further for me than a dollar.
