“The Streets” with “H Files” stories I a new Local Newspaper Covering HOUSELESS in Lakes Region
NOW UNDER DEVELOPMENT:
A local street newspaper is in discussion and under development in the Lakes Region. The “H Files©️ Stories” in “The Streets” published by TEAM CONNECTED will be a bi-weekly, 20+ pages newspaper — written by authors “grass-roots” style, hyperlocal; and focused on the HOMELESS and affordable Housing in the Lakes Region. Its editorial content will distinguish itself from other newspaper and include:
— Interviews of HOUSELESS community members from the 11 cities and towns of the Lakes Region:
— Focusing on HOMELESS life experiences (successes and failures);
— Recoveries from challenges;
— Existing programs and services offered in the Lakes Region with QR Code links and other contact information (including a landing page for local comments from the HOUSELESS)
— If the interview is filmed, a QR code in the newspaper (adjacent the story) will take readers to extended video coverage of the interview on a dedicated online platform (ie., YouTube);
— An “In the News” column featuring national, state, and local stories and editorials concerning HOUSELESSNESS, affordable housing availability, temporary shelters and services, food pantries, soup kitchens, and local faith-based organizations offering beds, food and clothing; and
— Classified ads, Services and Workshops, Jobs, and other Notices of interest to our HOUSELESS community members.
Will it Work? We Believe it Will!
As a template for review in discussions, we are considering one such newspaper “The Contributor” as a Model of Success in Nashville Tennessee — Since 2009. For readers with interest, please consider the following backstory of “The Contributor” street newspaper:
What challenges has “The Contributor” faced since 2009?
There were a few initial challenges from the City of Nashville in 2013 (when the yearly paper distribution exceeded 2,000,000 papers). One Reason involved : an ordinance, and street Vendors requirement to obtain a vending license — that is; despite a newspaper exception in ordinance.
What Programs Does “The Contributor” offer that Might be Emulated in the Lakes Region?:
The following is found at this LINK:
“Newspaper
We print a bi-weekly, hyperlocal newspaper that challenges stereotypes surrounding homelessness and tells the stories of our Contributor vendors. The publication features writing by respected local journalists, but more importantly by vendors themselves, giving them a important voice in their community.
Vendor Paper Sales Program
People experiencing homelessness receive training and create their own micro-business by purchasing copies of the paper and selling them to the public. When Contributor vendors onboard with the organization, they receive a starter pack that allows them to begin safely selling papers immediately, and a bus pass to return.
Not only does this income encourage dignity and self-esteem among Contributor vendors, it’s also often the crucial lifeline bridging the gap between nights on the streets and signing the lease on a home to call one’s own.
Unlike panhandling, a vendor’s paper purchases are tracked in our database, becoming legitimate income, and can be used for subsidized and traditional housing applications. Every time a vendor returns to our office to replenish his newspapers is an opportunity for them to work with our C.O.V.E.R. housing team.
Our offices are open six days a week for vendors to replenish their supply, discuss concerns, have a friendly chat, or grab some hot lunch.
Our popular bi-weekly paper-release vendor breakfasts offer valuable training and services and establish a strong sense of community. They also have become a place for university scholars, business leaders, and politicians to speak directly to people who have experienced homelessness.
Since 2009, over 4,100 vendors have purchased over 7,400,000 papers and earned over $20 million to become contributors to the Middle Tennessee economy.
C.O.V.E.R. Housing Navigation Program
(Creating Opportunities for Vendor Engagement/Entrepreneurship and Residency)
Our COVER Program is a sophisticated eco-system that offers person-centered support to our vendors, from obtaining identification and life-line phones, to finding and furnishing an apartment, our approach is tested on the ground every single day and is also backed up by robust longitudinal research across communities worldwide.
The Housing First model, which we employ, has shown promising results in improving the quality of life and changing the circumstances of unhoused persons.
However, The Contributor’s model distinguishes it from other models by providing a crucial missing piece: consistent, regular contact and small-scale aid to its constituents, combined with actual income to secure interim housing and necessities.
Research shows of all vendors who sell The Contributor for six months or more, over seventy percent transition into permanent housing. …” [Emphasis added]
For more details on TEAM CONNECTED, please visit THIS MAIN PAGE.
12. In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. Matt. 7.12 (BSB)
40. ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ … 45. ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’ Matt 25. 40,45. (BSB)
