ASK A VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. THIS MONTH’S ASK A VENDOR CAME FROM DENVER VOICE VENDOR JOHN ALEXANDER. Q A In what ways do you see the Denver VOICE’s value in the community, neighborhoods, and city? How do you see its value in your own life? JOHN ALEXANDER Since becoming a VOICE vendor, I have seen many ways the Denver VOICE has changed lives. As far as seeing the values of the Denver VOICE in my own life, it is similar to how I’ve seen the program help other vendors. I have greater goals because of those changes. For a successful, blessed vendor of the VOICE, the changes that people experience are automatic because we are enjoying a new and better way of life. LANDO ALLEN The VOICE gives me independence in a couple of ways: It keeps me away from the food line, and it keeps me away from people who want to do me harm. The income I make from vending also allows me to be a consumer and buy things like food, parts for my RV, and art supplies. JASON MARTIN I see the Denver VOICE doing a lot of good in the community by giving people a voice. It employs people daily and gives people a chance. Now, I am not only seen, but I also have a VOICE, so I am heard. JERRY ROSEN The Denver VOICE helps people in many ways: It gives them an income when they need to make money. It helps individuals by giving them an opportunity to do something worthwhile in the community. It has also allowed me to make an income and helped me gain self-confidence by knowing I’m doing something useful. LARMARQUES SMITH I started vending the Denver VOICE in June 2018. I was still relatively new to Denver and most definitely new to the homeless experience. I have seen the value of the paper in many ways, from other vendors who have used the paper as their primary source of income, to customers who actively read and support our organization. I have seen customers who did not know the VOICE existed become serious supporters. The Denver VOICE’s impact on my life cannot be measured. You cannot put a price on safety… well, not in a dollars and cents-type of way. The VOICE office is my safe space. When I need a place to go, or someone just to hear my side of any story, the VOICE is that place for me, which is priceless. HOW TO HELP The money we take in from vendors helps us cover a portion of our printing costs, but we depend largely on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to help us pay our rent and keep the lights on. 1 4 GET THE WORD OUT We rely on grassroots marketing to get the word out about what we do. Talk to people about our organization and share us with your network. Support us on DONATE Donations to the Denver VOICE are tax-deductible. Go to denvervoice.org to give a one-time or recurring donation. You can also mail a check to: Denver VOICE | P.O. Box 1931 | Denver, CO 80201 3 VOLUNTEER We need volunteers to help with everything from newspaper distribution to event planning and management. Contact program@denvervoice.org for volunteering information. 5 SUBSCRIBE If you are unable to regularly purchase a newspaper from our vendors, please consider a subscription. We ask subscribers to support our program with a 12-month pledge to give $10 a month, or a one-time donation of $120. Subscriptions help us cover our costs AND provide an amazing opportunity to those who need it most. Go to denvervoice.org/subscriptions for more information. @denverVOICE 2 ADVERTISE Our readership is loyal, well-educated, and socially concerned. Readers view purchasing the paper as a way to immediately help a person who is poor or homeless while supporting long-term solutions to end poverty. If you are interested in placing an ad or sponsoring a section of the paper, please contact us about rates at ads@denvervoice.org. June 2023 DENVER VOICE 3
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