Terrible news from Chile…another devastating earthquake shocks us this year. Luckily the epicenter was not in as densely of a populated area like it was in Haiti. Nonetheless, I have made myself available to travel to Chile if there is a relief organization that can use my services. I speak Spanish and have been to Chile and would welcome the opportunity to help those in need.
Phillip sells a paper to a passerby (Photo: Reed S.)
On Day 75 I met Phillip, a colorful salesman for Street Sense. I was driving north on Wisconsin Ave. in the Tenleytown neighborhood on my way to my father’s place in Pennsylvania when I saw a man on the right side of the road with a “Cat in the Hat” type hat. Well, I had to pull over and meet this guy.
As it turns out Phillip is a Street Sense vendor and the hat is part of his “marketing.” He is vendor number 202 and has been selling the paper for 2.5 years. He told me that summer is the best time of year for selling the paper when he can often sell over his average of 30-40 papers a day.
Phillip is homeless and on two waiting lists for subsidized housing. “You would not believe how many people are one or two paychecks away from being homeless,” says the former plumber whose problems started when he was hospitalized with stomach ulcers and bleeding. He spent 17 days in the hospital and when he came out he found himself losing his home and his marriage in peril. He got better, but unfortunately was not able to reconcile his marriage. Financially he was in freefall and ended up on the streets.
Go see Phillip if you are in DC. He radiates love and kindness. He can be found in front of the CVS near the intersection of Wisconsin Ave. and Brandywine St. Look for the hat! Phillip needs clothes: Shirts (XL), Pants (38×34), Shoes/Boots (11), Gloves (Med/Large).
Here is a great video clip of Phillip explaining how he stays indoors during the bitter cold months.
There is another great video of Phillip on Facebook. Click here to see it.
Update July 7, 2010: Here is some video of Phillip receiving some of your donations!
Year of Giving 