2 $ DECEMBER 27, 2024 | VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 1 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Improving our local Point In Time Count. page 4 TERRI DEMAR #322 ASK YOUR VENDOR: WHAT'S YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION? GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. It's fun to play at the YMCA! page 8 Ken Parks, vendor No. 490, shooting hoops at the Ann Arbor YMCA. He also enjoys the sauna frequently! Photo credit: Wes Roberts THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #
2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER providing economic opportunities for self-determined individuals $290K ESTIMATED TOTAL INCOME IN VENDORS’ POCKETS 45,250 $2 NEWSPAPERS SOLD Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. impacted by poverty 42 new vendors trained 3,480 issues sold/month 2,785 magazines sold producing a street newspaper that uplifts marginalized voices in Washtenaw County 42 unique freelance writers 27 editions published 26 podcast episodes produced promoting an action that contributes to a just, caring and equal society 8 free public community events >60% 153 JOBS Vendors reported that Groundcover MEETS THEIR NEEDS for friendship, a support system, and a sense of purpose PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-DETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Michelle Lardie-Guzek — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Jamie Cameron Pedro Campos La Shawn Courtwright Johnathan Glass Marie Natalie Mark Ken Parks Will Shakespeare Anthony Smith Sarah Tholen CONTACT US PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Steve Ross Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Sim Bose Zachary Dortzbach Luiza Duarte Caetano Jacob Fallman Glenn Gates Johnathan Glass Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Anthony McCormick Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Melanie Wenzel GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO OLD ISSUES + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org DECEMBER 27, 2024 2024 Impact Report PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons
DECEMBER 27, 2024 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What's your New Year's resolution? Exercise, sell Groundcover, continue with drumming class, maintain my relationships, improve my health and stay well! —Terri Demar, #322 Making more music, doing more recording and get some Groundcover magnets for my car. — Mike Jones, #113 Keep managing the unmanageable. — Larzell Washington, #128 Work seven days a week — no days off! — Roberto Isla Cabellero, #347 Start a revolution. — Wayne Sparks, #615 To be able to be one level up from where I was last year. — Lynne Bilodeau, #663 Make sure my kids have housing. And me, too. — Felicia Wilbert, #234 Write in every paper about Washtenaw County sports. — David Mitchell, #661 To finish what I started. — Ken Parks, #3490 Carry on PEDRO CAMPOS Groundcover vendor No. 652 Leave the bag, homeless man, But don’t lose it. Orbit it, circle it. You’ve carried the weight already, It’s heavy, I know. Drop it. Just watch it. Hold yourself together without the bag. You weren’t born with the bag. You don’t belong to it. The bag belongs to you. Organize the bag, Shape your thoughts. You can only carry so much. I know you care enough. You don’t need more room. You crave space. Fill your bag with dreams, Rations for the long road. Pack it with courage, For the journey ahead. Measure a man by his bag, But don’t judge him so quickly. Not all bags are chosen. Forget that big old baggage. All that you need is inside your bag. Take your papers, take your time. And from now on, like a Photon, travel light. So everyone can hear There are 48 million hearing-challenged people in the United States. The numbers vary depending on perspective and data approach. The number of serious hearing disabilities is estimated at 11 million. I am in that group. Those over 65 have an estimated 50% serious hearing loss. I was told in junior high school that my hearing was socially marginal; now at the age of 82 I am somewhat below that marker. I am hard of hearing in three languages and have survived by asking people to slow down, especially in Spanish, and please speak towards my good ear. The task before all of us is to become more engaged in our life. We need ideas that work and practical applications that promote communication KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 and the completion of projects. I regularly attend meetings where I may hear less than 10% of what is said. The best meetings for me were in Cuba. The sound system was excellent. We sat in rows along long desks that had enough microphones so that everyone GROUNDCOVER NEWS A New Year and New Mind LA SHAWN COURTWRIGHT Groundcover writer I'm so glad to have survived this eventful year of 2024 It's been full of the unforeseen Some of which brought me to tears Some of which made me happy and released some concerns and fears I've also grown wiser Lessons seared in my mind Stored tools for the upcoming year No matter what Through all of the ups and downs I'm grateful for simply still being here To witness the present and futuristic things As I look around and ponder the view of my surroundings and have a better understanding of other things Of me, of you, recognizing there's plenty of room for improvement As long as we all get back to God Almighty's original plan The 10 Commandments are our basic laws Our guidelines are all in the Holy Bible So let's all strive for holiness And this will be the ultimate New Year So welcome 2025 this way And our souls will be eternally alive and holy SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 7, 2025 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HAPPY HOUR @ LIVE, 6:30-9PM with the SOUL PRACTIONERS was near one. If you raised your hand and got the floor, you would quickly have a mic in your hand. Everyone had a headset and a channel selector to pick the language of your choice from the menu. The sound quality was good with adequate volume settings. It is an amazing experience to be heard and to hear everything. We can do this in North America and I will be a coordinating worker to make this possible. I think the technology is available so that small groups as well as large can benefit with this enhanced communication. This is especially important as we age. As the Gray Panthers taught us, youth and age together is a recipe for success. We can learn to communicate, make decisions and carry them out successfully. I will research available systems and report back soon. Please contact me through Groundcover if you want to see this happen, especially if you are experienced in audio systems. Groundcover News is an important center for my life mission of peace with justice. There are many groups and individuals who share this intention. It is time to communicate among ourselves and build the convergence that is a shared vision among many of our species. Vandana Shiva is an important mentor in this convergence as she points out that civilization, corporate agriculture in particular, is a war on the earth. Her work in India is a glowing example of what can be done. 3
4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS RECOVERY From addict to recovery advocate – Marcus Pollard’s redemption story JOHNATHAN GLASS Groundcover contributor Marcus Pollard is using his first-hand experience with substance use disorder to help people in his community recover from the ravages of addiction. Pollard spent four decades feeding his appetites for money and power in the drug game. Today, after a series of hardlearned life lessons, he fights addiction in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti community as a recovery coach with Home of New Vision, a mental health and substance use disorder clinic. While it’s common to stigmatize the addicted, the reality is that addiction is a disease, and drug use is one of its many symptoms. Many drug users are either predisposed to drug use genetically, or they self-medicate because of a chemical imbalance in the mind — often there is a problem in both departments. Those who suffer with a use-disorder tend to be brilliant, creative and lovable. Pollard is being treated for a chemical imbalance, and it was that imbalance that made getting off drugs so difficult for him. It’s a vicious cycle of struggling to survive for Pollard and many, many more like him. People who suffer from the disease of addiction, irrespective of the form it takes (food, drugs or sex), have been to hell and back. These people deserve love, understanding and prayer, not judgment. People who use drugs often have a spiritual nature and believe in God. Pollard believed in God from a young age. As a part of his beliefs, he believes in fate, essentially a pre-written existence where whatever will be will be. Pollard recalled, “I always had God in my life. My mother and grandmother prayed for me every day. I’m living proof of the power of prayer.” He went to church four times a week in his childhood. At an early age Pollard recalls playing Jesus Christ in a church play. He wore a crown of thorns, carried a cross on his back, complete with blood. This early memory was more than playacting for Pollard. For him, he had a spiritual, almost mystical connection to God from then on. According to Pollard, God saved him from every trap. Pollard stated, “I’ve been shot many times, and I’m still here. God kept me around for a reason.” Pollard acknowledges that his lifestyle was not one of a “normal” Christian. And yet, Pollard relates to the story of the Prodigal Son. The Prodigal Son was a young man who did everything wrong, spending the family fortune on loose living, but when he came home to his father, he was taken back into the family as if he had never left. The Prodigal Son is a story of redemption. Oftentimes, people who struggle with a use-disorder have no idea what they’re getting into. The cheese in the mousetrap is always free. But if a drug or alcohol user doesn’t end up in prison, an institution or the graveyard, and he asks for help, he can and will recover, if he is willing to work hard at it. Reflecting on his early days of “dope slinging,” Pollard said, “My crew and I were all like-minded guys. We operated with the tools at our disposal. Selling drugs was the norm in our community. I was a product of my environment.” The year was 1983, and Ronald Reagan was the president. The War on Drugs was beginning to gain traction in America, and Pollard began experimenting with cocaine and cannabis. First he took the drug for the buzz, and then he sold it. He said, “When I began drugging and thugging for real, I didn’t run out of steam for several decades. “You have to understand, we didn’t think about the illegality of what we were doing, that didn’t enter our mentality. Drugging and thugging was our lifestyle and it was what we did to see the next day. I liked it, though. The adrenaline from the power was better than the drugs we sold. I was untouchable for a really long time.” It was a trusted family member who introduced Pollard to cocaine and marijuana. At the time, Pollard lived with his grandparents, and the family owned a couple drycleaning businesses in town. Pollard was often sent to the business to help out and learn about making a living. Little did Pollard’s grandfather know, ‘Uncle Tony,’ who ran the family’s drycleaning business, had a hidden heroin addiction. Pollard’s uncle Tony not only turned Pollard on to drugs, but taught him how to flip drugs and to get ahead financially — even if starting out with $20, he showed Pollard how to make a small fortune. In an ironic twist, Pollard learned to make a living from his time with his uncle at the drycleaners, just not what his grandparents/guardians had in mind. A few years later, Pollard’s uncle fatally overdosed. When asked what Pollard would say to this family member today, if he were still living, he said, “Two words: thank you.” When asked why he would express gratitude for being introduced to a life of crime in his formative years, Pollard stated, “I had to go through addiction to get where I am today, and to do what I’m now able "The only way for me to keep my sobriety is to give it away to those still sick and suffering in my community." — Marcus Pollard to do. It was training for the life I now have.” Pollard’s life today is objectively better than ever; nevertheless, it was hell before heaven for Pollard. He said, “I had a lot to learn, and many of those lessons were painful.” When asked to use a single word to describe the dope game, Pollard said, “Destruction. It destroys your responsibility, it destroys your social values and peer relations, it destroys your dignity as a man or woman, and in the end, it destroys your very soul. The game loves nobody. Everyone who plays the dope game loses before it’s even over; it’s an unwinnable game. The prize is nothing but a figment of the imagination. The only lasting prize you’ll get is death, institutions or jail.” Pollard later stated that he regrets the lost time, lost relationships, lost friends and thousands of missed opportunities. He said, “I needed to catch up on life. And I’m busy playing catch up every day which is a consequence of my choices.” Pollard reflected that while he “got away” with a life of crime, having never been to prison, he did suffer the consequences in his spirit. He said, “I was drugging and thugging with the children, and grandchildren of the guys I started with in the 1980’s. That was a wakeup call to get my life together.” Another wakeup call for Pollard was when he was jailed for a charge in county lockup. When in jail, he got news of his beloved grandmother’s terminal illness. He said, “Because of my lifestyle, I couldn’t even bury my grandmother who had given me so much love. I really felt a certain kind of way about that.” When he got out of jail, he didn’t know what to do. Pollard reports that he went twice as hard in the dope game after his grandmother’s death because of the regret and grief. He said, “That was the darkest period of my life. I didn’t care anymore about anything or anybody. I stayed in that mode for about ten years.” Then there was a ray of hope. Pollard was court-mandated to attend a drug treatment program. He recalls resisting the process at the time, but chose to complete the program to avoid jail. About that he said, “That treatment program probably saved me.” He completed rehab and didn’t get his life together right away. Recovery isn’t linear. It’s a dance of two steps forward and one step back. But over time, Pollard’s experience with rehab planted the seed for getting clean for good. In 2022 Pollard had had his fill of the lifestyle that had defined his existence for nearly 40 years. He chose to get checked into Spera recovery in Ann Arbor, where he was treated for 30 days, and then he went into transitional housing for six months. It wasn’t all smooth sailing. The first six months were rough for Pollard. He said, “I was at the end of the earth, the point of no return, with a dark storm-cloud overhead every day. I was confused, not knowing if I was coming or going most days. But you never know when the moment of recovery will hit, because one morning I woke up and felt good. Just like a miracle my life was on a new trajectory. I was really curious to see if it was even possible for my life to turn around. I was in uncharted waters. And my life has been significantly better ever since. I’m 1,000,000 miles from where I was. I can’t believe I have a journalist writing my story in a presidential suite paid for by work. I never dreamed this would be possible!” Today, Pollard works as a licensed Peer Recovery Coach with the Home of New Vision, Ann Arbor. He said, “The only way for me to keep my sobriety is to give it away to those still sick and suffering in my community. I sold a lot of drugs in my community, and I have a strong desire to dismantle the monster I helped create.” Pollard loves doing community outreach with his work because he enjoys seeing the faces of those who used to do drugs with him, who see he’s turned his life around. He said, “I love showing my community that real change is possible.” Change is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with a use disorder, help is out there. In Ann Arbor, there is Home of New Vision, Dawn Farm and others. A simple Google search can change your life. DECEMBER 27, 2024
DECEMBER 27, 2024 RECOVERY Substance abuse by the homeless, from the homeless In California, many homeless people have been arrested, and homeless camps and settlements towed and/or dismantled with homeless people’s belongings tossed in trash dumpsters. A primary reason is narcotics (pills, meth, heroin, cocaine, crack, fentanyl) used in public, not to mention the vast percentage of public alcohol use or abuse. I've seen this in Wayne County, Washtenaw County, and out here in Orange County (California) as well. Taking the public bus to work one day, I sat down in a seat for the disabled facing a homeless man obviously intoxicated, and muttering to himself, causing others on the bus to feel uncomfortable and wary of his behavior. At one stop, a man boarded with a backpack, surfboard and a skateboard. He sat down a seat or two away from the intoxicated man, close to the driver (who had been noticing the intoxicated man). The two obviously knew each other, as they started a banter with each other. The next stop a young Latino man boarded and sat a few seats away from me. homeless? Another reason is fires started carelessly at homeless encampments, perhaps by tossing lit cigarette butts near brush only to be carried elsewhere by the winds. But let’s get back to the drug use. The reality of being homeless is JAMIE CAMERON Groundcover vendor No. 612 The intoxicated man took a half full bottle of vodka out of his backpack and took a few shots. He then put the lid back on and put it in his backpack. He began an insult spree about Mexicans. The bus driver stopped the bus and told the intoxicated man to get off the bus and that police had been notified. The drunk homeless man grabbed his backpack and other belongings and deboarded the bus. He was likely to be arrested due to his demeanor and his possession of an open intoxicant. This is not the only story I have to tell on the topic, but my stories are not the reason for the article, are they? Why is the public eye on the Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling an issue more than 4 weeks old. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from traumatic and sucks … and ever increasing. Sometimes people get hooked on something for reasons other than homelessness too. But why in public? Well, they are homeless, and police are shutting down encampments that line the city streets, mainly tents. So, how do they afford the drugs? You really don’t want to know. Those who use alcohol and/or narcotics on public transportation are generally avoided and/or ignored. Those who use in public alleys, if seen by police, get arrested. Same with public restroom buildings. See the connection? Who is in charge of these public buildings? But on the other side, why do rehab centers cost an arm and a leg? This must change. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code or leave positive review of a Vendor experience please email contact@groundcovernews. com or fill out the contact form (QR code below) on our website. Thank you! Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and home tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Public Computers The AADL has public-access Internet computers available for use by both cardholders and noncardholders at all five locations. Each station has USB ports, headphone jacks, and some of the fastest wifi speeds in town! Byte Club An exclusive club for AADL SUPER FANS and library people like you! Byte Club will help you connect deeper with the Library you know and love, and share special sneak peeks of new things coming soon. The first rule of Byte Club is that you tell everyone about Byte Club! Ready to join? Visit aadl.org/ byteclub to get started. FEATURED EVENT 5 Sunday, January 26 • 1–4pm Downtown Library Looking for a preschool? The annual Preschool Expo brings representatives from area preschools to one location on one date. Connect with schools in Washtenaw County and explore your options to find the best preschool for your child! Visit aadl.org/preschoolexpo for a list of participating schools.
6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS Improving our local Point in Time Count MARIE Groundcover contributor The inspiration for this riveting exposé about the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Point-In-Time (PIT) Count occured at the May 23, 2024, Washtenaw County Continuum of Care (CoC) meeting. (The CoC is the official body whose responsibility is to “coordinate the community’s policies, strategies, and activities toward ending homelessness.”) At this meeting I discovered I literally didn’t count, as I was not found among the 13 unsheltered homeless nor among the 317 sheltered in government recognized overnight programming on a specific night in late January. The PIT Count, according to HUD’s 2014 PIT Count Methodology Guide, is a federally-mandated count, described as a one night census-like snapshot of all sheltered and unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness. Counts are conducted through local CoC’s; a yearly report generated from data collected from all CoC’s across the country is published on the HUD Exchange website and presented to Congress as part of the Annual Homeless Assessment Report. Washtenaw’s CoC is managed by the County’s Office of Community and Economic Development. OCED staff responsibilities include overseeing CoC business including CoC governance, as well as homeless and housing related data collection and statistical analysis. Reporting on the above was part of CoC’s November presentation. These responsibilities include decisions about housing developments, grant awards, systems planning, and deciding on housing-related resource allocation. While the PIT count is known to have pitfalls, the count is important as it impacts eligibility for current, future and prospective project funding at all levels. It was clear at the CoC unveiling of the 2025 PIT Count Methodology, that without immediate intervention, many homeless of Washtenaw County will again go uncounted, which will continue to perpetuate the current climate, the vicious cycle of homelessness and housing instability. The November 20th CoC meeting presented the methodology for the 2025 PIT count map looked more like a deer in the headlights than like three AAA batteries and a headlamp. In fact, even just counting the number of unsheltered homeless hit by cars and those found dead in the streets over the last year equates to a higher number than 13. While on the surface it appears our local PIT Count methodology may currently meet HUD’s minimum standards, OCED admitted they have not made any updates to the methodology in years, and there is room for improvement in the area of both sheltered and unsheltered counting efforts. To help readers with the basics of the PIT Count methodology, this article includes some important highlights gathered from the HUD Exchange website and local 2024 OCED presentations attended by this writer. Nationally, counts are required to take place in the last 10 days in January; Washtenaw coordinates its count with other Michigan CoC’s to take place on the last Wednesday in January. While HUD requires a yearly count of the unsheltered, CoC’s are only required to conduct unsheltered counts bi-yearly during odd years; locally, the unsheltered count is conducted yearly. According to this year’s OCED presentations, Washtenaw conducts a full-census count, where it attempts to collect data from all sheltered and unsheltered persons using a combination of “day of” and “post day” collection. Historically, data about the unsheltered count has come from the local Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and data for persons who are unsheltered comes from surveys conducted by volunteers. According to our local OCED, sheltered persons who should be counted include persons who are living in supervised, publicly or privately owned shelters designed to provide temporary living arrangements — including shelters, transitional housing, hotel or motel paid for by charitable organizations or by federal, state or local government funders. Efforts are currently underway to address gaps in the sheltered count as not all local sheltering options are in the HMIS database. Data collection from non-HMIS sources will likely take the form of a paper or online survey. OCED describes eligible unsheltered people as persons with a primary nighttime residence that is not designated for human habitation which includes a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, campground or site. According to an OCED debrief this month, data about the unsheltered has historically relied on information collected via surveys collected by trained volunteers who canvass the county on predetermined paths via car and on foot the night of the count between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., with a post night effort that stopped due to COVID restrictions at a single church in Ann Arbor that serves breakfast. The local OCED describes people who should be excluded from the count as persons residing in a hotel or DECEMBER 27, 2024 Marie (left) and Cynthia Price (right) reviewing notes from the November Continuum of Care meeting. Photo credit: Eli O Hara Graph source: May 23, 2024 CoC All Membership Meeting at United Way Ann Arbor “Washtenaw County Point-In-Time Count Community Debriefing.” motel they paid for themselves, persons staying with friends or family, persons admitted to the hospital not including the emergency room, and people who do not explicitly meet the HUD definitions of sheltered or unsheltered. To improve the unsheltered count and data collection for the 2025 count, efforts are underway to minimally add sites to the post day count by adding the Ann Arbor Daytime Warming Center location, currently scheduled to be at St Mary’s Student Parish, adding the Ypsilanti Freighthouse Daytime Warming Center, and resuming data collection at St Andrews Church in Ann Arbor, referred to as the breakfast church by the homeless community. Additionally, efforts are underway to increase participation from people with lived experience with homelessness, especially as it pertains to improving culturally competent and trauma-informed data collection. For example, allowing people approached by volunteers on foot in the middle of the night to decide what information they want to divulge. The effort will also educate the community about the meaning, value, and methodology of the PIT Count. This article has hopefully helped inform the homeless community as well as those volunteers and professionals serving the homeless about PIT Count basics. While the PIT Count may not reach every person experiencing homelessness, the data gathered during yearly counts is a primary statistic being used in beneficial programs and a pilot program in six cities called "ALL INside," which is worth the better part of a billion dollars. The next PIT count is scheduled for January 29, 2025. Volunteers will meet at 9:45 p.m. on the night of January 28, and counts will continue into the morning of January 29, ending at 2 a.m. The post-day count will occur on the 29th at the sites listed above. Please look for a formal announcement in the upcoming January 10 edition of Groundcover News, which will have details about how and where to be to be counted if you are homeless and want to be included in the count. Incentives, especially for the unsheltered count, are expected and may include gift cards, winter gear and food. If you are interested in helping with the count or would like to contribute donations to be distributed during the night of the count or during the post-day count, please contact Andrew Kraemer with Washtenaw’s OCED at kraemera@washtenaw.org, call Groundcover News, visit one of Washtenaw’s Daytime warming center sites or look for finalized details about the PIT Count in the next edition of Groundcover.
DECEMBER 27, 2024 TRANSIT Its time to hop on the "bus" train! SARAH THOLEN U-M student contributor In August 2024, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, or TheRide, rolled out a set of service improvements, launching Phase 1 of “TheRide 2045” plan. Though ambitious, TheRide’s vision for the future could ultimately reshape Ann Arbor — if we let it. TheRide 2045 plan is, at its simplest, a framework for expansion and, as AAATA’s Senior Transit Planner Ken Anderson calls it in our interview, a “wishlist” expected to be re-evaluated later. It was delicately crafted to cater to the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti communities’ needs and to welcome adjustments later on. The development process, lasting from 2019 through 2022, was designed to gather public feedback; an estimated 1400 people provided feedback during the development of TheRide 2045. AAATA offered many opportunities for people to come to them, whether through public meetings, a feedback form on their website, or the chance to join feedback groups like the Public Advisory Group. But they also went out to the community. Anderson described the biennial process of “on-board surveying,” where passengers on the bus are given a survey to fill out, including an opportunity to share what riders do and don’t use the bus for, among other questions. AAATA took feedback they received, like developing improvements not just for the “9-5 crowd, but for those who rely solely on public transportation, to heart.” They identified an overrepresentation of higher household income and Caucasian survey respondents and therefore collected in-person engagement feedback where they were able to speak with a higher proportion of Black citizens. To create a plan meant to reflect the needs of the community, and AAATA ensured as many voices as possible were heard. August’s service improvements were directly reflective of this public feedback. Phase 1 of TheRide 2045 plan is designed to get the most highly requested (as shown in the figure on page 11) and quickly implementable improvements done, so, as Anderson describes, AAATA can “show the community [they are] out there delivering on some of the promises that [they] made in the 2045 plan.” With the recent service update, most lines have increased frequency of buses, and now consistently run from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the week, with extended weekend hours, all highly ranked priorities of the public. These expansions were greatly desired, but they are all relatively predictable improvements for a bus system trying to expand. Holistically, AAATA’s TheRide 2045 plan feels progressive, not necessarily for what they’re doing, but for the attention to whom they’re helping. “We are focused on generating ridership, but there’s an equity component,” Anderson says. “Everything that we do can’t just be completely focused around getting more commuters out of their cars, because there are people that have to use the bus — that can only use the bus — so we have to do what benefits them.” It is TheRide’s commitment to inclusivity that appears in their promises to expand service locations and hours for low-income areas and low-wage workers. It again appears in the projected 97% of jobs being located within 0.7 miles of high-frequency transit. And again in the strides to improve transportation for seniors and those with disabilities or mobility issues with 100% accessible buses and alternative options (like A-Ride, a shared ride service for persons with disabilities). Again with the website and app reforms and help lines with translators to improve ease of scheduling for non-native English speakers and first time users. There is remarkable care devoted to a great breadth of populations. Perhaps the most revolutionary part of TheRide 2045 plan, though, is the vision of a future that it builds. AAATA is striving for sustainability beyond merely zero-emissions buses (which they are also working towards). TheRide wants the city of Ann Arbor to let go of cars above all. To reach that point, they are advocating for the intensification of urban development, new housing policies, reduced below-market and free parking prices, curbing road widening, transit priority (like bus lanes), and so much more. Long-term, TheRide 2045 seems to envision a very new landscape of Ann Arbor. They want a city that can rely on, even enjoy, dependable public transportation. TheRide is also looking to us to create this future. Anderson says getting even 10% of people to switch from cars to other means of transportation would decrease congestion significantly which greatly serves the bus system. Whether walking, biking or taking the bus, every little bit helps. “We just want people out of their cars basically,” he said. But is this vision for the future practical? Even with major public transportation GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Photo credit: Mike Jones expansion, will enough people of Ann Arbor lean into a car-free world? Though far too early to tell, ridership has increased since even the first improvements this August, giving Anderson hope for what’s to come. So what is your role in all this? First and foremost, take the bus! To expand service in such a way, increased ridership is crucial. If you live further out and must commute to Ann Arbor by car, AAATA offers a “Park and Ride" program in which you can park your car for free at designated lots, then commute via TheRide all around the city (this is often more cost-effective than parking structures). Secondly, make your voice heard! Anderson wants to hear from as many people as possible. He wants to know how you currently use transit service, and how you wish you could. You can join the Local Advisory Council, which is seeking new members to help advise the AAATA Board on services offered see BUS page 11
8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS SPOTLIGHT Its' fun to play at the YMCA! ANTHONY SMITH Groundcover contributor On the tail end of Christmas is New Year's. This holiday has no mystic powers or claims to divinity. In America New Year's Eve is the official end of the year and subsequent beginning of a new one. This experience and change in symbols is supposed to have meaning. For some it truly does. These are the individuals who at the magic hour of midnight decide to proclaim unto the world wishes for improvement of some kind. “Resolutions” they call them. Every new year a plethora of resolutions are made, many about physical change, sometimes about a mental change. I urge you to make new year’s resolutions that involve the habituation of noble virtues. I think that with the proper amount of effort and intention one might achieve a great deal of personal growth. I certainly have. My resolution for 2024 was to get fit. And truth be told I took the easiest route. At the YMCA, I stayed by myself mostly and just did a few things. I’d hit the weights some times, I’d bake in the sauna. I keep it real casual. I learn as I go. I struggled for a time to use it. The YMCA stands for “Young Men's Christian Association.” There was also a similar version for women that incorporated a W instead of the M. People all over the world know the YMCA because of the disco song by the Village People. Who can doubt that wild bunch of guys could have fun staying anywhere? These days, you can’t stay at the Y, BUT YOU CAN DO A HECK OF A LOT ELSE!!! There are dance classes! The Y has tons of cool stuff, from foreign language classes to fencing! That’s right, they teach sword fighting! But you have to sign up fast — classes start on Jan. 6. As soon as you read this, get on it! They have an amount of classes that is just incredible. On the website you can look for dates and info to create a solid resolution. And if you happen to fall well below the poverty line, then you can get incredible deals on your membership. All you need to do is be homeless and get the right form on the second floor of the Delonis Center. That will allow you to get a membership at $30 for six months. My advice is get signed up for “SWORD FIGHTING”/ fencing ASAP. I bet this is one that fills up quickly. Imagine a town of swashbuckling badasses after the collapse. Forget about it. My name is Inigo Montoya… DECEMBER 27, 2024 Ann Arbor YMCA staff Nia (Y), Joey (M), Scott (C) and Dontrael (A) pictured left to right. And you killed my father! Just imagine … Society has collapsed. Every day the cruel sun pits man vs. nature vs. himself vs. man’s indifference to man vs. ghouls from the wasteland. The living envy the dead and the dead are soon cooked and eaten. I can see you now with your sword, cutting a deck of bad guys, dealing death like a riverboat gambler with an Ace of Spades up your sleeve. Maybe I’ll return to this later and take the class? There is also rowing at Bandemer. Rowing might sound weird, but if you had any taste you would already be doing it. Vikings rowed; get good at rowing, swords, hit the weights — PLUNDER LIKE IT’S 1999! This could be a real fun sport. And there are nice parties and much fun to be had on the river! Fun on the river can begin with a membership at the Y and $35 bucks for the rowing class! This stretch of the river is so lovely. For fun's sake! I was taken back to my younger days see YMCA next page
DECEMBER 27, 2024 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD International Network of Street Papers 9 YMCA from last page when I saw the camps that are connected with the Ann Arbor Y. They look like the kind I would want to go to if I were still a kid. The Y even offers short-term child care while you work out or take classes. A series of swell camps for kids is huge! A day at the Ann Arbor Y will likely begin with a smile from Bill. Bill has worked at the Y for 12 years. Bill is a retired music teacher. Bill told me at first he loved to do nothing, but after a while something was missing. This lifelong educator “needed people again,” so he quit being retired. Not long after Bill gets you checked in you might run across Anthony/Tony, aka Coach Pone. Tony is a swell guy. He likes all kinds of sports and loves to work with people. Members sign up and Anthony will help them reach their fitness goals. If you come towards the middle of the day, Scott Powers will be calling the shots; he is the head guy and simply couldn't be more approachable. In the evening Taurus and Noah hold it down. Once again, I can’t stress how nice these dudes are. Taurus has a smile that could bring back dead puppies, and Noah has such a personable and easy going way one could swear they had known him forever. Either one of these guys is gonna be working in the evenings. I like them both very much. New Years is a time for resolutions, for myself, the Y seemed like a great way to fulfill them. When I asked a few questions relating to this piece I learned that the YMCA has been in town since 1858! This may be the second oldest YMCA in the state! I want to know how long they have been teaching fencing; to me sword fighting seems like the way to go. If you want to join the Y, I hope you do! Simply taking showers at the facility will make even more people think that you aren’t just some kind of stinky jerk. But seriously, this can change your life! Get cleaned up and get judged by the content of your character and not how far people might smell you coming. Maybe you smell great but you only speak English? Take Spanish. It’s fun and you will gain confidence by being able to make even more friends and tell them what to do. But most importantly, we’ll have a great time. See you there and Happy New Year's!!!!! ACROSS 1. Netting 5. Beer quantity 9. Small part in a movie 14. Trade show 15. Killer whale 16. Eyeball benders 17. Appear 18. Back 19. Bullion unit 20. Suitability 23. Iranian coins 24. Floral necklace 25. "Peanuts" creator 28. Finely woven fabric used for sheets 32. Aussie "bear" 33. Sandler of "Big Daddy" 35. Escape 36. Policy favoring governmental interference in economic affairs 40. Six-sided game piece 41. Historic periods 42. Sheriff's gang 43. Unattractively thin 46. Adviser 47. Bleat 48. Cognizant 50. Style of coat with overlap at the front 56. Chip dip 57. Reclined 58. Fertilizer ingredient 59. Whines 60. On the open water 61. Grass stem 62. Embarrass 63. Geek 64. Shell competitor DOWN 1. ___ Verde National Park 2. Board member, for short 3. Blueprint detail, for short 4. Local self-government 5. Spanish conquistador 6. "He's ___ nowhere man" (Beatles lyric) 7. Picket line crossers 8. Nobleman 9. Word inventor 10. Experiencing a suspension of breathing 11. Periodicals, informally 12. Love god 13. His "4" was retired 21. Pertaining to hair 22. Fragrant resin 25. Tire marks 26. Shaped like a volcano 27. Bigot 28. Taps 29. Select group 30. Catch, in a way 31. Old Eurasian wheat with bearded ears 33. Ethereal, in poetry 34. Genetic material 37. Corrupt 38. "La Boheme," e.g. 39. Unrivaled 44. Violations 45. Ohio River tributary 46. Female follower of Bacchus 48. Belittle 49. Drier, as humor 50. Slap on 51. Spanish stewpot 52. Brio 53. Genuine 54. Congers 55. River barriers 56. Place to get a massage
10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HISTORY DECEMBER 27, 2024 History of the founding documents: the freedom, rights, liberty we cherish Abraham Lincoln once said, “No one deserves freedom and liberty unless they are willing to extend them to others.” For more than two hundred years, America became a place where oppressed people from around the world have run to in search of religious freedom and opportunity to make their lives and their family conditions better. The pilgrims came to Massachusetts Bay in 1620, fleeing from persecution in England. Unlike the pilgrims, the African slaves were brought to Jamestown, Virginia, around 1619 for the purpose of forced labor in perpetuity. They did not get their modicum of freedom and liberty until the 13th and 14th amendments of the 1860s. December has a special meaning to every American who cares about due process rights, equal protection guarantee, freedom and liberty. December 15 is the Bill of Rights Day! It is the day that we celebrate the ratification of the Bill of Rights in New York City at the Convention of the Second United States Congress of December 15, 1791. In observance of the Bill of Rights Day, visitors to the National Archive Building will be shown the original copies of the document. They can also see huge murals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution displayed in the rotunda of the National Archive which is located in Washington, DC. The online magazine “National Today” noted that the Bill of Rights display is “a reminder to all Americans of their constitutional freedom.” As we celebrate the anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, we can find some inspiration in President Ronald Wilson Reagan’s farewell message of January 11, 1989. Among other remarks, he said, “We've got to do a better job of getting across that America is about freedom — freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of enterprise. And freedom is special and rare. It’s fragile, it needs protection.” President Reagan continued, “But we’ve got to teach history based not on what’s in fashion, but what is important — why the pilgrims came here, who Jimmy Doolittle was, and what those 30 seconds over Tokyo meant … I’m warning of an eradication of the American memory that could result, ultimately, in the erosion of the American spirit. Let’s start with some basics: more attention to American history and a greater emphasis on civic rituals.” How did President Reagan want us to teach history and civics? He said, WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 “Let me offer lesson number one about America: all great change in America begins at the dinner table. So, tomorrow night, in the kitchen, I hope the talking begins. And children, if your parents haven’t been teaching you what it means to be an American, let ’em know and nail ’em on it. That would be a very American thing to do.” Reagan continued, “I’ve thought a bit of the ‘Shining City upon the Hill.’ The phrase comes from John Winthrop, who wrote it to describe the America he imagined. What he imagined was important because he was an early pilgrim, an early freedom man. He journeyed here on what today we’d call a little wooden boat, and like the other pilgrims, he was looking for a home that could be free.” President Reagan offered one final remark about his vision of America, which he equated to the “shining city of the hill.” He observed, “And how stands the city on this winter? More prosperous, more secure and happier than it was eight years ago. But more than that: After 200 years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true to the granite ridge, and her flow has held steady no matter what storm. And she’s still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places hurling through the darkness, toward home.” America’s founding documents According to the National Archive Museum, our nation's founding documents are: 1) the Declaration of Independence; 2) the Constitution; and 3) the Bill of Rights. With respect to the Declaration of Independence, we encourage our readers and members of our community to pay attention to the first and second paragraphs of the Preamble. The Declaration of Independence was signed by the Congress of the 13 original colonies inside the Independence Hall in, Philadelphia, on July 4, 1776. Constitutional Convention of 1787. Mural painting at the Rotunda of the National Archive Building. The founding fathers who worked on the document selected Thomas Jefferson to read the full text to the American people. The most popular and memorable preamble of the text are: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights governments are instituted among men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any one form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes.” One year after the Declaration of Independence, the 13 original colonies signed the 1777 Articles of Confederacy, which established the Commonwealth of Independent States. A governor from Virginia was appointed president of the Confederacy, but he resigned because the central government was very weak and federal-state government relationships were problematic. In the spring of 1787, a Constitutional Convention was called. It was supposed to take place in Annapolis, Maryland. It was canceled because they did not have a quorum — not enough delegates showed up. The second constitutional convention was called for June to September 1787. They had a quorum and succeeded in designing the key institutions of government. The Preamble to the United States Constitution is: “We the people of the United States, in order to form a - more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.“ As of today, the Constitution has seven articles and 27 amendments. The key institutions of government: Congress/Legislative, Presidency/ Executive and Judiciary, are derived from Article I, Article II, and Article III, respectively. There are several sections in all the seven articles of the constitution. For example, Article I Section 1 says, “All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.” Article II Section 1 of the constitution states that, “The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his office during the term of four years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same term, be elected, as follows …” Article III Section 1 of the Constitution states that, “The Judicial power of the United States shall be vested in the Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The judges, both of the supreme and inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and shall at stated times receive for their services, a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.” The national archives provide us with a brief history of the Bill of Rights. It also claims distinction as the home of America’s founding documents. One recent research report is titled, see RIGHTS next page
DECEMBER 27, 2024 HISTORY from BUS page 7 to seniors and persons with disabilities. You are also encouraged to fill out a feedback form at www.theride.org/ about/contact-us. To many of us, a car represents an unparalleled freedom of movement. But perhaps with a more robust public transportation system and a community willing to embrace it, that freedom can be expanded by all. AAATA’s TheRide 2045 plan is standing at the forefront of the effort to ditch the cars and hop on the ‘bus’ train. Will you join them? Read TheRide 20245 Long-Range Plan Executive Summary online at t he r i de . o r g / abou t /p roje c t s / the-ride2045 GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 Results from onboard surveying regarding desired improvements. RIGHTS from last page “The Bill of Rights: How did it happen?” It is quite obvious that many Americans know a little bit about the Bill of Rights. Young Americans and older Americans can easily say what the First Amendment, Second Amendment, or Fifth Amendments stand for. They are rights, freedom and liberty clauses, which were explicated in the constitution so that no one government can take them away from the people. After the U. S. Constitution was drafted in September 1787, there was opposition to its ratification by some people in states like Virginia and Massachusetts. George Mason of Virginia was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and one of those who refused to sign the documents because it lacked a Bill of Rights. Initially, James Madison did not support a Bill of Rights set of amendments to the Constitution. He later led the movement to add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution as a safeguard. The amendment was introduced in the first Congress on June 8, 1789. A joint resolution passed by Congress contained 17 amendments proposed by James Madison and his allies such as Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. When the Senate received 17 amendments from the house, it reduced them to 12. A joint House and Senate conference agreed on 12 amendments which was sent to the President in September of 1789. The national archive reports stated, “On October 2, 1789, President Washington sent copies of the 12 amendments adopted by Congress to the states. By December 15, 1791, three-fourths of the states had ratified 10 of these, now known as the Bill of Rights. “National Today” published the history of the Bill of Rights Day. It said, “Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a proclamation that dedicated December 15 as Bill of Rights Day. This was made in honor of the Constitution and to celebrate the document’s 150th anniversary. The Bill of Rights Day took place just eight days after the Pearl Harbor attack and America’s entry into World War II.” In 1946, President Harry Truman issued another proclamation for the Bill of Rights Day. Congress sent a request to President Truman for the proclamation because World War II had ended. In 1952, President Dwight Eisenhower wanted the Bill of Rights Day to be proclaimed every year. “National Today” also noted that in 2019, President Donald Trump made a proclamation for the Bill of Rights Day. President Trump said, “During Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, Human Rights Week, we celebrate the Bill of Rights for safeguarding our Godgiven rights and protecting us from abuse of government powers. I call upon the people of the United States to mark these observations with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including community conversations. Conclusion In poet W.B. Yeats’s world-famous poem “The Second Coming,” he presented words which remind us of James Madison‘s Federalist paper. The paper said, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.“ In “The Second Coming,“ Yeats stated it this way: “Turning and turning in the widening gyre, the falcon cannot hear the falconer; things fall apart; the center cannot hold; mere anarchy is loosed upon the world ...” The last four years have been tough, the year 2024 has been the toughest! We survived the existential threat of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Knowledge of our founding documents will help us heal. Let’s have more conversations! It is possible that the second half of the 2020s will be rife with debates over individual first American rights, due process rights, citizenship rights, and of course, equal protection rights. The newspapers, broadcast news and social media will be trying to defend the constitutional provision known as the “freedom of the press.” Individuals and groups who gather to protest will claim their rights to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances. People will try to emphasize all their constitutional rights. Historians, philosophers, research scientists know that the founding fathers contemplated that the nation would change and they designed a “living constitution.” America is based on an idea. Retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer says that America is an experiment, one he feels is working despite pitfalls, and will continue to, he strongly believes. Let’s keep talking, to ensure that it does.
12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Hawaiian roll sliders NATALIE MARK U-M student contributor Ingredients: ½ lb of ground meat ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp ground garlic 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper ½ cayenne pepper ¼ tsp dried oregano ½ onion and other vegetables if desired 5 Tbsp butter, separated 4 hawaiian rolls 4 slices of american cheese Tomato, sliced Directions: Combine spices and ground meat together in a bowl and let it marinate DECEMBER 27, 2024 for 15 minutes. Caramelize your onions or other vegetables by adding three Tbsp of butter to a hot pan and cooking onion on medium heat until dark golden brown. Remove veggies. Add remaining butter to a separate pan and melt it. Divide your meat into four patties and place in the pan. Cook for three minutes or until nicely browned. Assemble sandwiches. Serves four. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Make it your way with the ingredients you love. Enjoy the savory flavors. $5 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $30 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 1/9/2025
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