Dear friend,
This is my story. This is who I am.
This simple premise is the backbone of everything we create at Street Sense Media. For 15 years, we have provided platforms from which men and women experiencing homelessness can share their story with our community. Whether you began supporting us 15 years ago, or discovered us recently, we are deeply grateful for your past support. You understand that our vendors and artists are working hard to move forward in their lives and that they have talents which make ours a richer community.
We cannot overestimate the value that our readers and media event attendees bring to the equation of what makes Street Sense Media a life-changing organization. When you stop to buy a paper, or attend a film screening, theater performance or photography exhibit, you acknowledge the dignity of those who create and distribute our media. You acknowledge the value that their work contributes to your life, reaffirming their growing sense of self, and their desire to work toward a better future.
I have been at Street Sense Media for six and a half years. Very early in my tenure, I discovered that this is a unique organization. Instead of seeing vendors as clients coming to us with a need, we see them as colleagues looking for a place to contribute their hard work and talent. We come to define each other not based on our housing situation, but on what we can contribute to the organization and each other. It has been an amazing, deeply enriching experience for me.
In the last year we have rebranded as Street Sense Media, launched a new cashless payment app for smart phone purchase of the newspaper, and significantly expanded our services aimed at transitioning vendors towards housing, income supports, health and mental health care.
To accomplish our mission, we rely on your financial support. Individual donors contribute over 48 percent of our annual income. Your dollars fuel our work and make possible the positive change that a relationship with Street Sense Media has for our vendors and artists. This spring appeal occurs annually at a time when donations typically slow. Make your tax-deductible contribution online today or by mailing a check to Street Sense Media, 1317 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.
Once again, thank you for your generosity!
Sincerely,
Brian Carome
Executive Director
