This edition of Speak Up Zine is making my hair stand up.

When Speak Up began three years ago, it was influenced by dozens of other street papers and magazines around the world—like them, we wrote about homeless people, social justice and homelessness issues. But six months ago, when we began publishing the zine, Speak Up’s editorial vision expanded. Now it is written by “street writers”—who are on the streets right now, or have recently experienced homelessness. They write about themselves and their friends and experiences.

As I’m finishing a final read of this issue before it goes to press, their stories, essays and poetry are giving me goosebumps. This issue is so full of heart, authenticity, and power. The authors you’re about to read aren’t just homeless writers—they are Great Writers!

Being able to steward these pieces into your hands is a privilege and an honor.

Through its content and model of distribution (p.24), Speak Up builds bridges between cultures, classes and communities. I am incredibly thankful to be in the position of being able to observe the intersections, relationships and transformations that come as a result.

Thank you, dear friends on the streets, for bravely sharing your lives and stories with us. Thank you, to those of you who become Speak Up Vendors—your task of reimagining yourselves as entreprenuers requires courage, dedication and humility.

Thank you, faithful donors, sponsors, and supporters. Your investments are changing individual lives as well as entire communities.

Thanks, Bill and Debbi, for having such vision to introduce Speak Up to Traverse City, MI. Thank you, Speak Up’s governing board of directors, for seeing the future of what is possible as we look ahead.

Thank you to the faithful volunteers— in Michigan, the Carolinas and beyond. Thank you, Peggi, Noah, Melissa, Ben, Nate, Ryan, Samantha, Will, Harry, too many to name—thanks for everything you do behind the scenes to keep Speak Up growing and effective.

Thank you to Lana Shaw—my wife, the best editor I know—for being a faithful, creative and inspiring partner all these years. You are terrific.

Thank you, reader, for purchasing this magazine. By doing so, you’ve become a partner in someone’s journey out of homelessness.

Keep in touch.