http://www.columbushomeless.org In the spring of 2015 I began volunteering with Street Speech. If you are not familiar with Street Speech it is a monthly social justice newspaper that benefits the homeless and formerly homeless in Columbus by offering them a way to earn a living while advocating for their community. They purchase the paper for $0.35 a paper and sell it for a donation. This money helps them to pay for basic needs like rent, food, and bus fare.
In the beginning I would do basic office tasks, transcription and some cleaning. A couple months into my weekly volunteer job, the editor suggested that I step in and help to faciliate the weekly writer's workshop. This workshop was an opportunity for vendors to come and write articles for the paper on a plethora of topics.
It was such an eye opening experience. The more I got to know the vendors the more they opened up and spoke of their challenges and their successes. They talked about their experiences on the streets of Columbus; the good and the bad. Every week I would look forward to spending time with them. I even earned the, "Volunteer of the Year" award from the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless for my work.
This spring the editor announced that he was leaving to pursue his PhD out of state and the position of editor would be open. He asked if I might be interested. Of course I would. The opportunity to use my passion for this cause in a new way has been incredibly exciting but I can't continue to do the work without YOU.
I'm reaching out to you today to ask that you help save Street Speech and keep our vendors employed. Our paper is sustained on 100% donations. From the cost of printing the paper to office supplies and rent, donations are how we keep this program going. We are, now, in dire need of funds. Without this program more than 50 people will go without a way to earn a living.
Our vendors have gone from being panhandlers to being able to afford the basic necessities that many of us take for granted. The paper has been able to give a voice to those who feel voiceless in our community. Without Street Speech the homeless and marginalized of Columbus have less opportunities. Street Speech is a hand up and not a hand out. Vendors take pride in their job and are genuinely grateful for the chance to sell the paper. They are so thankful for your support. It means the world to them that you care.
*If you donate to Street Speech you can choose to have your name published in the paper in our "donors sections" as a thank you for your kindness and generosity.
