Toledo Streets is a street paper with a mission to empower individuals struggling with extreme poverty to participate on a new level in the community through self-employment, job training, and contributorship.

Archive for August, 2009

Internship at ELLE offered to homeless girl

Posted by Amanda Faith Moore On August - 31 - 2009

Bri, new intern at Elle magazineTime for some good news, eh? This article comes from a post on Homeless Tales, and quickly sketches an out-of-the-ordinary story for a hard-working young woman who was determined to make sure she covered all her bases. And guess what? It got her a hit – and, hopefully, will get her home.

Popularity: 100% [?]

Cherry Street Mission breaks ground; starts construction of Caleb House

Posted by Amanda Faith Moore On August - 27 - 2009

danrogers_calebhsgrndbrkgFrom Cherry Street Mission’s Facebook page: “On Thursday, August 13, history was made at Cherry Street Mission Ministries. Construction of our first building in our 62-year history started. This day also marks the expansion of Cherry Street into supportive transitional housing.

“The Caleb House is a new home being built by the community that will be used for supportive transitional housing for men who are ready to take the next step to independence. Thank you to all who are donating their time, talents, and materials.”

Those participating inĀ [the] ceremony included Paul DeWitt, Eaton Corporation; Jim Moline, Moline Builders – volunteer contractor; Miller Brothers; Mayor Finkbeiner; Dan Rogers, President & CEO of Cherry Street Mission Ministries; Christine B. Dziad, The Anderson Fund; Councilmemer Michael Ashford; Bob McCann, current guest at Cherry Street; and Jamie Schmitz, Board Chairman. (Not able to attend: Stranahan Foundation.)

Popularity: 94% [?]

The List

Posted by Amanda Faith Moore On August - 25 - 2009
Like any major project, the “to-do” list is never really complete – things get added all the time. But I finally finished creating the gist of the list today.

As I sincerely hope this list may help anyone else trying to start a street paper in their city, and as I also very sincerely hope someone may come along, read this, and contact me to say, “Hey, I can help with item X on your list,” here is what still needs done.

Things to do for Toledo Streets

- Meet with fiscal agent, 1Matters, to discuss:
  • Budget
  • Claddaugh Inn appetizer party – invitees, date, method of invite
  • Networking
  • Blade issue
  • Tent City feature story interview, photography

- Inaugural issue stories:

  • Tent City (Ken, ?)
  • Candidates on Toledo Poverty – research; web sites; quotes
  • Hoboscope – contact Lemley @ Nashville Contributor
  • Henry’s column – name; find volunteer/ghost writer; create guidelines
  • Faith column – decide length; email Dan
  • Interview with vendor – um, GET VENDORS (see below)
  • Letter from editor
  • Resources page
  • Puzzle
  • Guest articles – find writers

- Blog:

  • Post first entry on toledostreets.org (done!
  • Update streetpaperdiaries.blogspot.com (done!)
  • Start double-posting both blogs (begin with this list) (done!)

- Collateral:

  • Develop ad guidelines/rates
  • Develop press kit for advertisers
  • Develop press kit for media/public
  • Write/design brochure – general info for donors, advertisers, etc.
  • Design vendor recruitment flyer (see Street Roots example from conference)
  • Design artist (writers, poets, photographers) recruitment flyer; BLOG IT!

- Vendors:

  • Contact Cherry Street facility managers – times for recruitment; orientation
  • Introduce Toledo Streets to other area shelters/service organizations
  • Code of Conduct (see Street Sense)
  • Get city maps (parking authority?) – central biz district, warehouse district, uptown, etc.

- Miscellaneous:

  • Develop donor program (put on site)
  • More printing quotes
  • Write and post Editorial Stance on site
  • Research grant opportunities – Toledo Community Foundation & Knight News Service?
  • Google Donate button on site?
  • Facebook’s Causes (maybe do on site instead of Google Donate? clash with 1Matters?)
  • Follow up with remaining “wish list” for advisory board
  • Set up financial program for tracking $ – Janice

Popularity: 73% [?]

Cutbacks pinch homeless programs

Posted by Amanda Faith Moore On August - 25 - 2009

Homeless woman in FL applying for jobThis USA Today article online calls the current crisis of “falling revenue and rising need” a “perfect storm”. The article covers several state cutbacks across the country.

“Nationwide, government figures show that 1.6 million homeless people received shelter last year, largely unchanged from 2007, but the number of families increased 9% to 517,000.”

Popularity: 100% [?]

Is homeless hate crime legislation the answer?

Posted by Amanda Faith Moore On August - 20 - 2009

Homeless Hate Crime ProtestIn this change.org article, Shannon Moriarty argues that while homeless hate crime legislation is needed, it will not change attitudes.

Popularity: 86% [?]

Cherry Street Mission to add new transitional house for women

Posted by Amanda Faith Moore On August - 20 - 2009

CSM's Angela LashleyThis 13 ABC video and story highlight’s Cherry Street Mission’s latest project, Abigail’s House, set to become Toledo’s newest transitional home for eight unhoused women.

Cherry Street is looking for furniture – couches, beds, chairs, tables. If you have something to donate, please contact them at 419.321.1835.

Popularity: 96% [?]

Nashville’s street paper thriving in down economy

Posted by Amanda Faith Moore On August - 19 - 2009

Nashville streetSteve Samra posts an article on change.org regarding the positive growth of The Contributor, Nashville’s local street paper.

Editor’s note: I had a chance to spend a little bit of time with Tasha French and Mark Lemley of The Contributor while at the NASNA Conference in Denver. Tasha and Mark were very patient and helpful, and have continued to be so as Toledo Streets works on its own launch.

Popularity: 94% [?]

Cities tolerate homeless camps

Posted by Amanda Faith Moore On August - 17 - 2009

nashville tent cityA Wall Street Journal article reporting from Nashville discusses the “rise” of tent cities across the U.S.

“After years of enforcing anti-camping laws to break up homeless clusters, some cities are less inclined to crack down on the homeless because of the recession.”

Popularity: 88% [?]

Homeless may benefit from health care reform

Posted by Amanda Faith Moore On August - 17 - 2009

homeless health care centerA story in the Washington Times gives a brief overview of the lack of health care available for the unhoused, including families with children. The proposed health care reform may help solve the issue.

Popularity: 42% [?]

Mentoring Homeless Vets

Posted by Amanda Faith Moore On August - 17 - 2009
CNN.com video from LAA CNN.com story based out of Los Angeles.

“Vietnam War veterans mentor a new generation of homeless vets in Los Angeles. CNN’s Barbara Starr reports.”

Popularity: 25% [?]