SUMMER WISH LIST Q A NEW ITEMS NEEDED: Socks Reusable water bottles Sunscreen, toothpaste, deodorant, chapstick Paper products for the office GENTLY USED ITEMS NEEDED: Umbrellas that can fit into a backpack Gloves Backpacks Ponchos & windbreakers (Men’s L, XL, XXL) ASK A VENDOR THIS COLUMN IS A PLACE FOR DENVER VOICE VENDORS TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS AND STAFF. What is something you want people to know about the reality of homelessness? JOHN ALEXANDER I wish I could share all the harsh realities of being homeless. To be hungry, cold, no place to rest your body and get a good night’s sleep. No security for yourself. These are a lot of the most common realities that come to mind. But, I would tell people the one reality to know about homelessness, and the one thing that homeless people value and long for the most, is every day, one-on-one, common acknowledgment. Tomorrow, next week, or just the next time you may cross paths with a homeless person, and he smiles your way, says hello, or wishes you a good day, remember, he is most likely reaching out for no more than he is trying to give – acknowledgment. RAELENE JOHNSON I’d like people to know they are wrong if they think homeless people like the way they live and are lazy. Some of the homeless were runaways, who never had much of a chance to survive hard knocks. Some had medical bills they couldn’t pay, and that made them homeless. The longer someone is homeless, the harder it gets to be able to get their own [home]. It’s costs more to be homeless when it comes to eating, using restrooms, getting ticketed because you are sleeping in the wrong place... If the body can’t sleep, it starts to break down. Homelessness shouldn’t be a crime. JERRY ROSEN Homelessness is when one does not make enough money on a job to afford housing. Homelessness is when one cannot afford housing or is unable to save money for different things. A person wants to save money so they can live somewhere, or with family or a friend. DENVERVOICE.ORG/VENDOR-NEEDS Drop-offs are accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. or schedule a drop-off by emailing program@denvervoice.org. What do YOU want to ask? If you have a question or issue you would like vendors to discuss, please email community@denvervoice.org. August 2021 DENVER VOICE 5
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