EDITOR’S NOTE IF YOU’RE READING THIS, it means you survived 2023. The way we survive varies from one person to the next, but to make it past any challenge, we all need an abundance of selfconfidence, mental and physical fortitude, and most of all, faith in a higher power. In this issue of the Denver ELISABETH MONAGHAN MANAGING EDITOR VOICE, you’ll read about Patrick Balerio, a Denver VOICE vendor, who died in November 2023. It may seem contradictory to talk about death when I’m hoping to make a point about survival, but the memories of Patrick’s contributions as a vendor and the love he shared with his friends and family will live on, bringing at least some comfort to everyone whose lives he touched. On page 10 of this issue, Denver VOICE vendors Steve Anson and Rea Brown each commemorate the one-year anniversary of Brian Augustine’s death. Rea’s piece is the final installation of Back on the Streets. This was the column Brian started writing when he discovered he could no longer afford his rent. In both Steve and Rea’s tributes, they mention the challenges that they’ve either encountered or witnessed others deal with when it comes to surviving housing instability. Also in this issue, you’ll see that Raelene Johnson, who usually writes “Self-Talk” poems for our In Your Own Words section, has written about her recent cancer diagnosis and the steps she is taking mentally and physically to overcome her self-doubt and survive radiation, chemotherapy and regular checkups that are part of her treatment. No one knows what’s in store for 2024. No doubt, there will be difficult days ahead, but during the darkest moments, it may help to remember the wisdom of Denver VOICE vendors. The way vendors have overcome so many challenges and continue to muster the confidence, inner strength, and faith in a power greater than themselves is the perfect inspiration for surviving the worst. ■ DENVERVOICE.ORG E.ORG @deeOCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James Kay MANAGING EDITOR Elisabeth Monaghan PROGRAM COORDINATOR Connie Gaitan THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS GILES CLASEN is a freelance photojournalist who regularly contributes his work to the VOICE for editorial projects, fundraisers, and events. He has also served on the VOICE’s Board of Directors. ROBERT DAVIS is an award-winning freelance reporter for the Denver VOICE. His work has also appeared in Colorado Newsline, Business Insider, Westword, the Colorado Sun, and Medium.com. WHAT WE DO The Denver VOICE empowers homeless, impoverished, and transient individuals by creating job opportunities through our vendor program. We give our vendors a job and help them tell their stories; this creates a space for them to be part of a community again. Vendors purchase copies of the VOICE for 50 cents each at our distribution center. This money pays for a portion of our production costs. Vendors can buy as many papers as they want; they then sell those papers to the public for a suggested $2 donation. The difference in cost ($1.50) is theirs to keep. WHO WE ARE The Denver VOICE is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly street newspaper. Our vendors are men and women in the Denver metro area experiencing homelessness and poverty. Since 2007, we have put more than 4,600 vendors to work. Our mission is to facilitate a dialogue addressing the roots of homelessness by telling stories of people whose lives are impacted by poverty and homelessness and to offer economic, educational, and empowerment opportunities for the impoverished community. We are an award-winning publication, a member of the International Network of Street Papers and the Colorado Press Association, and we abide by the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bragg VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Lanie Lee Cook Aaron Sullivan ARTISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Giles Clasen Gigi Galen WRITERS Lando Allen Steve Anson Rea Brown Giles Clasen Robert Davis Connie Gaitan Raelene Johnson Jason Martin Jerry Rosen Larmarques Smith Alyssa Will BOARD OF DIRECTORS Nikki Lawson, President Chris Boulanger, Vice President Jeff Cuneo, Treasurer Zephyr Wilkins, Secretary Michael Burkley Cassandria Carmouche Antonio Diaz Julia Watson Cabal Yarne With the money they make selling the VOICE, vendors are able to pay for their basic needs. Our program provides vendors with an immediate income and a support group of dedicated staff members and volunteers. Vendors are independent contractors who receive no base pay. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT editor@denvervoice.org VENDOR PROGRAM program@denvervoice.org • (720) 320-2155 ADVERTISING ads@denvervoice.org MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 1931, Denver CO 80201 VENDOR OFFICE 989 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204 OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Orientation is held every day we are open, but prospective vendors must arrive by 10:00 a.m. 2 DENVER VOICE January 2024 STAFF CONTRIBUTORS BOARD CONTACT US
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