You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile
Tommy Bennett, former member of the United States Navy, has been working as a Street Sense vendor for the past six years. Bennett said he became homeless by “doing the wrong thing,” but has since been working to turn his life around, one smile at a time.
Born in Tennessee, Bennett came to Washington, D.C. at the age of three and currently attends school in an effort to earn his GED. Prior to becoming homeless, he completed a two-year term in the Navy and worked as a security guard for a number of years.
Bennett said he became homeless while “trying to be a hustler,” but got caught. During his time in jail, he was placed into a Narcotics Anonymous program and has been clean for seven years.
Six years ago, his friend Jose told him about Street Sense. Hesitant and skeptical to join the team, Bennett agreed to let Jose train him.
“I was discouraged, but then I made my first sale,” Bennett said. “Street Sense keeps my mind occupied.”
Bennett said he is thankful for and sends love to his best friend, Christine, who has stood by his side through the ups and downs. He is also very close with his family and, although they remain in Tennessee, he frequently talks to his six siblings on the phone.
Bennett said he hopes readers will look into their hearts and try to help Street Sense vendors because they are more alike than different.
“I try to make people happy and smile on the street to make their days go better. For some people, it makes a difference,” Bennett said. “If people don’t want to talk, I just tell them to have a good day.”
In February, Bennett moved out of homeless shelters after fighting for housing through the Department of Veterans Affairs and into a permanent residence. He hopes to, as a clean alumnus of NA, become a drug counselor after earning his GED. He usually sells at the corner of 11th and G streets.
