Homelessness is real.
More Americans are living paycheck to paycheck as the economy gets worse. That means that those families are just one or two paychecks away from becoming homeless.
Families and individuals who were once considered middle class now join the lines at food kitchens and homeless shelters.
Becoming homeless is a tangible fear. It could happen to anyone.
The homeless is a growing group, yet their stories are rarely told. The rest of the country turns away because it is easier to pretend a problem doesn’t exist.
What is a street paper?
A combination of journalism and community service, street papers contribute to society in ways other than just objective reporting.
These newspapers inform the public about homelessness and poverty and are sold on the streets by poor or homeless vendors.
The papers are purchased by the vendors for about 15 to 40 cents each and then sold for about a dollar to the public. The vendors keep the profit they make, which can help them get back onto their feet in a dismal job market.
The two vendors on the left work for Street Sense in Washington, D.C. and the vendor on the right works for Real Change in Seattle. They all share the same hope that this job will transition them into other jobs.
As other businesses fade, there is a growing need for street papers.