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$2.00
100% OF THE
COVER PRICE
GOES TO THE
VENDOR

WHY COUNT THE HOMELESS?

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SUBSCRIBE
to Empower & Equip

In addition to a magazine for you, your
subscription supplies additional copies to
someone in need.

(Your gift becomes a seed that will be
transformed into extra income
through their hard work.)

speakupmag.org/subscribe

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A Voice for the Voiceless

Speak Up is written by and about people battling
homelessness.

The magazine is sold by vulnerably-housed or homeless street
vendors who keep 100% of the profits (they buy copies for a
low price, sell them, and keep the cash).

Through the process, these ambitious individuals develop a
passion for entrepreneurship, get back on their feet financially,
and become advocates who proudly give a voice to the
voiceless.

SPEAK UP THIS ISSUE
501 Hawthorne Lane Alisha Pruett, Issue Editor
Charlotte, NC 28204 Peggi Knowe, photos & copy editing
Matt Shaw, Editor in Chief
speakupmag.org
SPECIAL THANKS TO ALISHA
WRITING WORKSHOPS PRUETT FOR MAKING THIS
Thursdays at 2pm ISSUE HAPPEN

Speak Up Magazine is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Give at speakupmag.org/donate

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THIS ISSUE OF SPEAK UP IS ABOUT
THE ANNUAL CENSUS OF PEOPLE
EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.

My introduction to the world of homeless agreed to be photographed. I had a new cam­
support services came in early 2010 when I era for the purpose of filling the pages of the
volunteered to help with that year’s Vulnera­ forthcoming first issue of Speak Up, so I was
bility Index Survey—a counting of people on the designated camera operator. One woman
the streets. insisted that the photos never be shared or
published—”my dad was someone important
I was assigned to assist on one of the “camp in Charlotte, he would be so ashamed if he
teams.” We went to areas I’d been many knew what had happened to me,” she said,
times—an innocent side street, a gas station, as tears streamed down her face.
a fast food joint—then unexpectedly veered
a few dozen feet into the woods and encoun­ One of the objectives of the data collected
tered a whole new hidden world of campsites during that particular count was to secure
and people making their home from tarps funding for a “housing first” initiative in Char­
and tents. We asked the people we saw to be lotte. The effort was successful—for the last
interviewed and give personal information. In five years Moore Place has provided critical
nearly every instance, they were gracious and housing to some of the region’s most vulner­
welcoming. able citizens.

It was a rich opportunity to learn from oth­ Capturing data and crunching numbers is a
ers—I was fortunate to have been assigned thankless but tremendously valuable part of
to veteran social worker Mike Harmon and the collective effort to see people move to
to share a car with he and Caroline Chambre stable housing. If you are looking for a great
Hammock, both of whom freely offered their way to help out, volunteering with a count is
perspectives on how to best help and em­ a good place to begin.
power those on the streets.
Matt Shaw
At that time (I think this policy has changed) Editor in Chief
we were taking pictures of everyone who

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PART OF A TEAM EFFORT
By Rocco J. Bacelli

I helped with the sheltered homeless in Lin­ nice to see everyone get some warm lunch
coln County this year. The count took place and converse with each other. Once I started
at a food pantry in Lincoln, and this was my to hear all the stories of homelessness, it re­
opportunity to sit and converse with people minded me of the mission that we are all on.
experiencing homelessness and eat lunch
with them. I wanted them to see that I was
just like them, so I ate lunch from the pantry
with them.

I am an Army Veteran so it was nice to feel a
part of a team effort. We know that in order to Rocco is a Veteran Outreach Specialist
improve the resources in all the counties, we working with Community Link NC
need to prove the need with statistics. It was

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THE FACE OF HOMELESSNESS
By Alisha Pruett

I have had the experience of being a Team to this day, I want to help everyone right
Leader for the Point in Time Count in New away. However, in my experience, I realize
York City and in Charlotte, NC. Being that there is a process to everything. The
appointed a Team Leader requires expe­ sad reality is, sometimes people cannot be
rience working with homeless individuals helped as well. It’s hard to gulp, I know.
and willingness to assist any volunteer who
has questions or concerns. It is eye-open­ What I find most interesting about the PIT
ing and a reminder of how the general count is training the volunteers. Most peo­
public “handle” homelessness. I am ple ask questions such as, “What if they
reminded that most people do not face ask for money or food?” In all my work
a person’s homeless situation daily, and in homeless services, I’ve never offered
their take on it may be difficult to process money, food, or anything in exchange for
as we all want to help right away. Even paperwork. Sometimes I have offered bus
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passes or transportation vouchers. With the individuals to ask for the survey, but it
the PIT Count, we offered snacks, bus was refreshing for them to know that most
passes, and even sleeping bags to those individuals we came across were willing to
who completed the survey. I had a hard speak about their story. There were a few
time adjusting to that, but I found that that would strongly oppose us, and know­
in order to get a conversation going and ing that it is okay to just let it be is a good
gain adequate numbers of our commu­ lesson as well. You can’t force anything.
nity’s homeless situation, we had to do
something to motivate homeless persons This year, my team went to the librar­
engage in the process. It was easier once ies around Charlotte. I found that I am
they understood that it will, in the end, very used to surveying the people in the
help them and anyone else in their posi­ camps, and was actually surprised that I
tion. was a little apprehensive about speaking
to people who were seemingly minding
Giving something to someone you need their own business in a library. My team
information from is a bit of an ice breaker was comprised of several people in the
as well. I found that it made me even feel medical field, and they were motivated to
more comfortable approaching people survey. We asked most of the individuals
who may or may not be homeless. I found in the library, and most were willing to talk.
myself saying to my team, “Homeless can This time, I was surprised at the response
look like anyone, and we just have to ask and felt reassured that we would capture
anyone that we suspect may be in that much-needed information that would
position.” I know, it’s a really tough subject eventually help our community.
to just jump right in and ask someone. I’ve
learned that if you don’t muster up the The PIT count, as a snapshot of a com­
courage to at least ask the question, “Ex­ munity’s homeless situation, is definitely a
cuse me, do you have time to talk?” you good resource for those who have been
can’t get any progress in solving home­ in this field for years or for those who just
lessness. want a new volunteer experience in their
community. Overall, it is an eye-opening
In 2015, I was with a team that entailed situation that can lead to growth and
two volunteers who had no background progression as to how we tackle crises,
in homeless services, two police officers, housing, or even talk to those just sitting
and one person from the Veteran’s Ad­ around us. I feel that we are all the face of
ministration. We all traversed the railroad homelessness, so it is good to know that
tracks around the Charlotte area. We we can help each other out.
came across camps and people sleeping
in nooks underneath the bridge. The
police knew the individuals very well, and
seemed to have a good rapport. At first, Alisha is a Housing Coordinator
the volunteers did not know how to call to working with Community Link

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I AM BLESSED

By Ralph Norman

I’m a single male with two kids, a 3-year-old
and a daughter in college. For many Ameri­
cans, homelessness is one paycheck away.

It was for me.

As a veteran, I found myself lucky to be eli­
gible for an organization to really help us in
our time of need, but waiting for housing has
been hard as we thought we had nowhere to
go while waiting. The only hope for us has
been the blessing of cold-weather shelter
through the Room in the Inn program. It is
truly a blessing that they pick you up and take
you to a church with the most kind, loving,
caring, and catering people that I know. They
give you a soft bed and great food, and most
anything you need. They’ll send you off with
breakfast and a to-go lunch. Without this, it
would be bad for us.

I didn’t mind being a part of the count be­
cause of all the help I am getting. I really thank
the people of Charlotte for what they’ve been
doing for my family. We have found housing
now and are just waiting on moving arrange­
ments. I am blessed.

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A NEW PERSPECTIVE
By Rachel Thompson

This is the third year I have participated there is nothing like going into the home­
in the Point-In-Time Count. I have volun­ less camps or walking the streets Uptown
teered in the South Park Mall area, Uptown and seeing those with no shelter. Seeing
Charlotte, Nations Ford Road (where I this “realness” drives me to want to do
grew up), and this year, the Huntersville more. Being able to talk with them and
area. offer them resources is a great feeling.

I was homeless as a child and am very The Point-In-Time Count for me is a
passionate about this initiative. It is a priv­ life-changing experience, and each year I
ilege to be a part of helping the homeless gain a new perspective.
community.

I volunteer often at various shelters within
Charlotte and the surrounding area, but

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POLICING
THE
HOMELESS

A conversation with CMPD
Officer Brad Hall.

Interview by Alisha Pruett

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Police Officer Brad Hall has been the
Community Coordinator for his precinct in
Charlotte, NC, since 2008. He has been
a part of a mission to help the homeless
population to find resources. His efforts
are seen in his involvement of the Point
in Time Count, which is a day when the
nation to gathers a census of the homeless
population in each city. In this interview,
he highlights what he observes daily and
how he connects to the community.

How you think people respond to the
police?

I think that people are mostly receptive to
us. I don’t see much push back, especially
if you let the person know why you are so as to avoid citations which helps to
there and what is going on. communicate better with people. Over the
last four to five years, we have been more
What language do you use in order to aware of referrals we can do, at least in our
have no “push back,” as you say? district. I think it is more helpful for us. I
think in the past, we were quicker to write
You just have to be up front, no matter tickets if we were to got calls from the
what. The more honest you are, the better public about someone. We are not looking
reaction people will have in any case. You to arrest someone for all these quality of
have to be up front no matter if it’s good life calls.
or bad. If the area someone is camping
in is a mess, we will tell them, “This is the Due to the awareness of referrals,
reason we are here.” I will tell them about you’ve reduced giving citations?
someone calling about them being on
their property, and we have to tell them I can’t quote numbers, but I think officers
the honest truth. are more willing to make referrals to Urban
Ministry Center or Community Link. I know
What do you think allows you to I’ve done a lot of referrals for bus tickets
be more approachable or helpful to to Community Link’s Traveler’s Aide. If
people? someone is panhandling to get money to
go back home, I know Robin at Community
We are willing to work with people. Link is great about making referrals so that
The more we are aware of referrals someone can go back home, and then we
and resources, I think it is more helpful don’t have to make a citation.

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So you guys are able to send travelers? I can only speak for myself. II have
realized that you have to have a goal if
That’s me. you’re trying to help people get out of a
situation. I don’t know the best way to put
So, what do you think is an inspiring it, but you can’t arrest yourself away out of
instance of how you were able to help the situation. You can’t arrest someone out
someone? of homelessness. Because if you do put
one in jail, they’re not going to hold them.
I don’t want to give his name, but there’s a They’re right back out.
gentleman that lived by the railroad tracks,
and he kept a real clean camp—it was It’s almost like a perpetual cycle?
spotless. We’d go visit him. He was always
really respectful, never any trash around or Yes, it honestly puts them back down. It’s
up all night drinking or anything like that. like this: You catch someone drinking, and
He was willing to talk to us and give us we’re not going to let it slip by; but then
an insight on his situation on how he got we say, “Let’s talk about it. Let’s go to
there. So, we made some referrals, and it detox. Or if you’re having mental health
took a while, but he eventually got a nurse issues, let’s check into Billingsley and see
certificate or CNA license, and eventually what we can do there.” Because a lot of
got a job at CMC. Then he moved back times, if they’re having a mental break, or
to New York City and kept his credentials. relapse, or addicted to something, they’re
That was one that really got to me, that not going to remember the ticket anyway.
doing this work you can see progression They may remember you taking them to
with a referral. I think that him having a detox or doing something that is better
job and not being pestered to move all for them.
the time really helped. We came to an
agreement, that if you keep it clean and So, on the issue of homelessness, where
you don’t get any citizen complaints, then should we focus?
we can work with you 100% on getting to
a better place. Housing. I know it’s a simple answer, but it
is housing. Especially in Charlotte, I would
Giving a referral and support helped like to see more housing—whether it’s
him? transitional housing or supportive housing.
I think any sort of housing would obviously
Yes, and the fact that we built that rapport, be housing. I know it’s the simplest answer
especially since he was working toward a ever, but that’s my answer.
goal.
Have you seen more people housed
That is so awesome to hear. Thank you since you have been in this position?
for that story.

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I have, but it is slow going. Moore Place
has expanded, which is good. It’s just one day to get an idea.

Okay, so next topic is panhandling. It is different this year as they are going
What do you think about it? Is it a to be counting a sheltered count versus
crime? unsheltered. So do you think that will
reflect a different perspective?
Well, it is a crime. There are certain
elements that are against the city codes. I mean, I think it is useful. I think to ignore
it and not do any census is irresponsible.
So when you see someone holding a
sign asking for help on the road, what is Yes, exactly. Anything else you would
your approach? like to comment on? What’s your overall
experience of Charlotte’s homeless
It depends on each person. Sometimes situation.
they do need food. We also have the
hustlers that are panhandling because they There are cases you get emotional about.
want money to either feed their addiction Then again, we have a job to do—we can’t
or money for whatever. The Urban Ministry put too much emotion into it as we have
Center had a great campaign that said to get things done. And it goes both ways.
“Change doesn’t come from your pocket.” I see a lot of mental health issues where
I really like that, and when I see someone that person gets labeled as “lazy” or
panhandling, that is honestly what I think whatever. But in reality, they have a mental
now. health issue that is not being addressed. I
think that’s a big issue other than housing.
Regarding the Point in Time Count (PIT). Mental health here is a huge deficiency.
Do you think this type of census is a
good thing for our community? Do you think there are a lot of mental
health resources for these persons?
I think it is. If you think about it logically
and if you think about it from a political I think that is something we need to work
side (not that I’m political) but you have harder on, and I’m sure there a lot of
to know who is out there in order to serve obstacles, but we can work on it.
them. You have to have at least a baseline
or an “x” number to report since that is Well, I really appreciate your time and
how the city gauges its outreach, its funds thank you for all you do.
they get, what grants we apply for.
Thanks for having me.
Yeah, and the PIT is just a snapshot
of what homelessness looks like in
Charlotte.

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This is how someone joins Speak Up.

Make Show up Orientation
contact for your &
interview Training

Come to the Thursday Be on time. After this two-hour ses­
writing workshop or sion, during which you’ll
contact Speak Up (call, learn sales techniques,
SMS, email) to schedule watch a short video, and
an interview. sign the code of conduct,
you’ll be given 20 free
magazines and a tempo­
rary vendor ID badge.

(You’ll sell the magazines
for $2 each and keep all
the cash.)

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Sell Spend Keep at it
magazines & or
publicly Re-invest Step forward

Find a busy sidewalk and Now you have money for Now that you’re in a
offer the magazine to the what you need: housing, cycle of working and
public. You keep all the food, transportation. earning money, you can
cash from each sale! decide what to do next.
Be sure to set aside some
(It won’t be easy. When of the cash to buy more Maybe this is a short-
people think “homeless,” copies of the magazine term solution while you
they don’t always think from Speak Up, so you seek another job? Or
hardworking, positive, always have more to sell. maybe this is a job that
and diligent…but you can you want to stick with?
change that perception.) (Be strategic. You’re a
business owner now.) Finally, you’re in charge
of your future!

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GETTING
OFF THE
STREETS,
ONE
MAGAZINE
AT A TIME.
SPEAKUPMAG.ORG/SUBSCRIBE