Washington, DC's homeless earn and give their two cents

    

    

     Writing on the Street (audio slide show)

     If you live in Washington, DC or have ever visited, you've probably encountered someone on a street corner or atop a Metro escalator selling a Street Sense newspaper.  Street Sense features writing and reporting mostly by homeless or formerly homeless individuals.  With the mission of raising public awareness of homelessness and poverty, Street Sense pays vendors about $40 a day to sell the newspapers and has been able to help some homeless vendors earn enough money to move out of shelters and find a full-time job.

     The New York Times recently published an article about Street Sense along with a compelling audio slide show that provides a glimpse into the workings of Street Sense and its impact.  Take a look at the audio slide show, titled Writing on the Street.

Photo from the Washington Post.