MAY 15, 2026 OPPORTUNITY GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 More than a newspaper: how Groundcover vendors are rebuilding lives and community JONATHAN GLASS Groundcover contributor When Bridget Gotham talks about Groundcover News, her excitement is immediate and contagious. “I meet new and amazing people every day,” she said. “I wish I had started sooner.” For the past six months, Gotham has worked as a vendor for Groundcover News in Ann Arbor, selling newspapers throughout the community. What began as a leap of faith has become a source of stability, purpose, friendship and hope. Now, she wants others to experience the same opportunity. A job with freedom, dignity and purpose Groundcover vendors purchase newspapers for 50 cents and sell them for $2 plus the occasional tip, keeping the difference. Many vendors develop loyal regular customers, and every conversation becomes a chance to connect with the community. Gotham now sells around 100 papers each week. “I love that I can work on my own schedule,” she said. “It’s the freedom of self-employment I like most.” But Groundcover offers more than income. Vendors and contributors gain work experience, professional references, community support, and access to local resources throughout Washtenaw County. Writers, poets, and community storytellers are also encouraged to contribute articles and creative work to the paper. For many people facing housing ACCEPTANCE from last page with mental health conditions, offenders, sex workers and those in need of housing. Many of these people face exclusion, and this is precisely where greater acceptance and open-mindedness are needed. Experience shows that even small steps towards greater visibility are met with a great deal of prejudice: the Blue Cross Center’s inquiries to restaurants and retailers regarding partnerships often go unanswered. Finding somewhere to live is also virtually impossible, especially in cities like Stuttgart. The mere suggestion of setting up a houseshare for former addicts usually results in an immediate “no.” One of the visitors from the Blue Cross group sums it up like this: he wouldn’t “come out” as an alcoholic today; the fear of rejection is too great, and the social stigma too deep-rooted. As another person put it: “When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they are met with compassion. When someone is experiencing addiction, they are met with judgement.” It is important that everyone is given a genuine opportunity — an opportunity in the labor market, in community life and in their local neighborhood. And that they are greeted with a smile on the street. After all, those struggling with addiction are not just fighting against a substance, but often against a society that is too quick to judge. Translated from German via Translators Without Borders. insecurity, unemployment, mental health struggles, or major life transitions, Groundcover can become a pathway forward. Before joining Groundcover, Gotham worked as a security officer. After being assaulted on the job, she left the field and spent a long period unemployed. “It scared me,” she said. Family members helped support her while she searched for a new direction. A friend and fellow vendor, Mary, encouraged her to look into Groundcover, but it took time before Gotham felt ready to walk through the doors. When she finally interviewed at Groundcover’s office inside Bethlehem United Church of Christ, she found something unexpected: encouragement. “The process was welcoming and hope-inspiring,” Gotham said. Even with prior sales experience, she admitted the idea of working independently was intimidating at first. “I wasn’t sure if I’d be good at this,” she said. “But I tried, and I am good at this.” That willingness to take a chance changed everything. Opportunities beyond selling papers Groundcover vendors are not only salespeople — they are journalists, poets, advocates, artists and community leaders. Many vendors contribute stories, essays or poetry to the newspaper and are compensated to do so. Contributors can also participate in “Groundcover Speaks,” an audio storytelling project that allows writers to record their work for additional compensation. For vendors balancing tight budgets, every opportunity matters. Gotham herself has become increasingly active in the community. She now participates in outreach events and is helping build partnerships with organizations that support mental health and recovery services. At a recent fundraising event hosted by Fresh Start Clubhouse Gotham gave tours, connected with guests, and sold newspapers — proudly representing Groundcover and the people behind it. For anyone nervous about becoming a vendor, Gotham offers simple advice: “Hold up a paper and let people come to you.” She says most people learn quickly. Success comes from consistency, kindness, and conversation. Sometimes a person may not have the ability to pay. Sometimes they may be having a rough day. Gotham doesn’t let rejection discourage her. “In those cases, I might give away a free paper,” she said. “A lot of times that person becomes a regular after they see what we’re doing.” That spirit of patience and human connection is what makes Groundcover different. Ask Gotham what Groundcover means to her now, and she answers without hesitation: “Friends. I’m always in good company with friends.” For many vendors, Groundcover becomes more than work. It becomes community — a place where people support one another, rebuild confidence, and discover new purpose. Bridget Gotham, vendor No. 674 Gotham says she would love to see more people join as vendors. “The more papers Groundcover sells, the more people it can help,” she said. She also hopes to see expanded resources for people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorder throughout the area. Looking for a fresh start? Groundcover News is actively welcoming new vendors and contributors. No experience is necessary. If you enjoy meeting people, telling stories, writing, or simply want an opportunity to earn income while becoming part of a supportive community, Groundcover may be the place to begin again. For people searching for purpose, community, and a chance to move forward, Groundcover is more than a newspaper. It’s a new beginning.
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