14 GROUNDCOVER NEWS 15TH ANNIVERSARY On September 4, Groundcover News celebrated its 15th anniversary. It was moving to hear from founder Susan Beckett, current director Lindsay Calka, and longtime vendor Joe Woods. As someone who has been a vendor for 12 years, I felt pride in our shared history — but also disappointment. Over the years, vendors have made LIT KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 remarkable accomplishments that were not mentioned that evening. Both Jim Clark and I earned placements at the International Street Paper Conference competition, recognition on a global stage. Other vendors have authored books, founded organizations, and built programs to support those experiencing housing insecurity. These achievements are part of Groundcover’s true legacy. When plaques were given for longevity, I chose not to accept mine. Not because I didn’t care, but because our real accomplishments — and those of many others — go beyond years of service. They deserve to be recognized in a fuller way. Today, I am building a digital magazine entitled "The Fringe" — work SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 Groundcover legacy deserves fuller recognition made possible only because of the foundation Groundcover News gave me. As "The Fringe" takes shape, I carry with me the lessons of resilience and creativity nurtured through Groundcover. This is not just my story — it is our collective voice, continuing to push boundaries and reimagine what is possible. Groundcover vendors are not just survivors; we are creators and innovators, and our voices belong at the center — at the heart of every telling and celebration of its legacy. Community conversation and education for a sustainable homeless solution On September 4, Groundcover News held a 15 year anniversary celebration at the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor. It was a huge celebration which attracted many members of the Washtenaw County community and the University of Michigan campus. There were many speeches and presentations. However, the speech which caught my attention the most was given by the Groundcover News Board President, Anna Gersh. In addition to the praiseworthy comments she offered about the current Groundcover publisher and managing director and the founding publisher, she said that this newspaper has become a platform for encouraging more community conversations and dialogues on homelessness and a broad range of topics. She also observed that the paper has become a source of news, information and education where community members and Groundcover writers can offer their opinions on matters of local, regional and national interest. The month of November is our “Homelessness Awareness Month.” However, in my interactions with many of our customers — students and non-students — it has become important to share knowledge and encourage formal and informal conversations on the topic of homelessness year-round. For example: What are the local, state and federal governments strategies for solving homelessness? Does Washtenaw have an integrated strategy for ending homelessness? What are the innovative homeless solution strategies in the county and across the nation? Articles on History.com have shown that homelessness occurred in periods of economic crisis, high WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 unemployment, high inequality, adverse government policies on affordable housing, high healthcare costs and, generally, job loss. Understanding the causes and consequences of homelessness helps frame the discussion. Causes of homelessness Economic factors: Poverty, lack of income, high housing costs, unemployment, and unexpected financial crises like job loss or medical bills contribute to homelessness. Lack of affordable housing: A significant shortage of low-cost housing options means that many people, especially those on low incomes, cannot afford rent. Health issues: Mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and chronic physical health problems can make it difficult to maintain housing and stable employment. Domestic violence and trauma: Violence in the home, particularly intimate partner violence, is a major cause of homelessness for many individuals and families. Social and systemic factors: Inadequate social support systems, lack of social safety nets, and historical oppression contribute to disproportionate rates of homelessness among certain groups. Acute stressors: Life events such as the death of a loved one, a relationship breakdown, or being in the justice system can be triggering events. Consequences of homelessness Poor physical health: Homeless individuals have increased risks for infectious diseases like Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, and HIV, as well as other chronic conditions like diabetes. Worsening mental health: The constant stress of living without stable housing can exacerbate existing mental health issues and lead to new ones, such as chronic stress, anxiety and depression. Impact on children: Homeless children face developmental delays, emotional and behavioral problems, increased risk of hunger, and difficulties with social and cognitive growth. Increased substance abuse: Some individuals use alcohol or drugs to "self-medicate" because of the stress and trauma of homelessness, potentially worsening their substance use disorders. Social stigma and isolation: Homelessness carries a significant social stigma, and people may experience social isolation, leading to feelings of low self-esteem. Community strain: Homelessness creates challenges for communities, including increased demand on social services and healthcare resources. Recent history History.com informs that “the Great Society” was an ambitious series of policy initiatives, legislation and Dr. Anna Gersh, Board President, addresses attendees at Groundcover's 15th anniversary celebration, endorsing the paper as a pillar of vital community dialogue. Photo credit: Matthew Orwig programs spearheaded by President Lyndon B. Johnson with the main goals of ending poverty, reducing crimes, abolishing inequality and improving the environment. Waging a war on poverty was the central focus of the Great Society program which was announced on the University of Michigan campus during the spring graduation commencement speech in 1964. Gradual progress was achieved in the late 1960s and the decade of the 1970s. The federal government was in the business of building affordable low-income housing in urban counties across the nation. Homelessness at a large scale was almost non-existent during those periods. The economic crisis of the 1980s, along with the severe budget cuts of anti-poverty programs made the Great Society key goals somewhat elusive. The “Great Recession” of 2008 to 2010 see DIALOGUE next page
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