׉?ׁB!בCטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://QDt_SnsuFjj1TwwMsJt0qI9mB6pzADZbg4TSsEl1W9Im`׉ 7cassandra://jKAzzaTYud7rhu-NcDP4CCGL2ItlvXkPtLZgCPsfiigq `h׉ 7cassandra://JuvQvUvCN9DgmtzWjO_Z1LbZosYBO0JEbA87O6--Nq4)L`f6RBebטFu׈}\׈Ef6RBeM׉E2 $ It's called football! page 3 SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 20 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. MEET YOUR VENDOR: LA SHAWN COURTWRIGHT PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor # Victory Inn shutdown upends the most vulnerable. page 5 ׉ 7cassandra://JuvQvUvCN9DgmtzWjO_Z1LbZosYBO0JEbA87O6--Nq4)L`f6RBeNf6RBeM בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://vj6uORTHyIPec9IIUq34WUObMmz0XWZo0mgLbfthdicjZ`I׉ 7cassandra://QIQgTpuNE02edFUzLvCZbmnrHvx7QQ1uAzRGbRGvJV0J`׉ 7cassandra://jqo2c2Z7m89qgQfL_yXtESdubD-8twXxjWajDAhGx5oRZ`f6RBefנf6RBee9׉Hhttp://www.groundcovernews.orgGׁ ׁ rנf6RBen9ׁHhttp://www.groundcovernews.orgׁ ׁ Јנf6RBem 9ׁH"mailto:contact@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ Јנf6RBelF!9ׁH&mailto:submissions@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EK2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 International Network of Street Papers gathers in Liverpool to celebrate 30th anniversary, share best practices and inspiration LINDSAY CALKA Publisher For four short but jam-packed days, 43 street papers convened in Liverpool, UK for the International Network of Street Papers 2024 Summit. Groundcover News is a proud member of INSP; year-round we participate by attending the monthly North American regional network meet-ups, by publishing content from other papers, and by sharing our own content across the globe for republication. Although this summit commemorated the past 30 years of INSP, one stated goal of the conference was to build a strategy for the future of the network. Since the 2022 gathering in Milan, INSP has experienced a drop in income and had to reduce staff at the Glasgow office — on top of the challenges individual street paper organizations are facing with funding, street sales and a global rise in attacks on human rights. In the first session of the summit, delegates were invited to reflect on what they need from INSP and our global network. There was clear consensus that all the street paper organizations see the priority being connection and regard INSP as the best tool to make that connection happen, calling for more support in between summits with information-sharing, translation, collaborative projects and simple directories of who does what and where. Each day, delegates shared best practices through panel discussions, breakout conversations, strategy sessions and keynote speakers. Groundcover News was invited to speak on the “Valuing Lived Experience” panel and INSP 2024 Summit delegates at the Walker Art Gallery on the opening night, Monday, September 12. Not all delegates are pictured. presented on our Freelance Writing Program, which pays homeless and low-income people to write for the newspaper. Others on the panel were Katie Langford from Arts and Homelessness International, Simon, a vendor from Hus Forbi in Denmark, and Andre Rostant, a vendor from the see INSP page 4  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. 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. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Michelle Lardie-Guzek — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Pedro Campos Dezz Clark Jim Clark Concert Music Outreach Collective La Shawn Courtwright Cindy Gere Robbie February Anthony McCormick Denise Shearer Wayne Sparks Scoop Stevens Lynn Sutfin Maisie Weyheng 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 CONTACT US PROOFREADERS Kendall Artz Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Sim Bose Zachary Dortzbach Luiza Duarte Caetano Jacob Fallman Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Simone Masing Anthony McCormick Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof 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 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 ׉ 7cassandra://jqo2c2Z7m89qgQfL_yXtESdubD-8twXxjWajDAhGx5oRZ`f6RBeP׉EWSEPTEMBER 20, 2024 ON MY CORNER Kamala Harris for President SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover vendor No. 638 Now that an accomplished Black MEET YOUR VENDOR La Shawn Courtwright, vendor 56 Who is La Shawn Courtwright? I am the author of the book, "The Fold - A Collection of Poetry," not the author of the article "Justice InDeed is uncovering hidden histories of housing discrimination in Washtenaw County" or article with all Candor intended. What is Groundcover News to you? Groundcover News is not a "Homeless People's Newspaper," it's an instrument that prevents me from being destitute and/or homeless. What would you say to those who buy or those who choose not to buy our paper? Do not cast my work down because I choose to earn a living by uplifting, or simply allowing, others to have new thoughts because of my writing. I hope that it can create bridges were there are gaping gaps of communication. Who do you credit for what you've learned? All that have taught me things knowingly and unknowingly. What is strength to you? A dynamic or group of individuals that is able to build great things together without struggling about something that may be unusual to norms, and the greatness of the single or many gifts when used to empower, not dim, another's light. What do you want out of this life? To not be of it as I'm in it. I want to be Holy. Family DEZZ CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 643 Family. Do we understand what family is? From my understanding, the answer to that question is no. Family is not only blood, but also friendship, family affairs, smiles, mothers, fathers … because without you there wouldn't be me! FAMILY — THE WORLD NEEDS TO REMEMBER WHAT FAMILY IS! Kamala Harris, KAMALA HARRIS, she understands what family is. Now it’s time that we remember what family is all about. Family — we are one in this world. Family. IF GOD MADE A LOT OF MEN AT ONE TIME THEN WE WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT FAMILY IS because there would be too many fathers and we wouldn't understand who or what family is. WOMEN REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT FAMILY IS. But let’s not misunderstand that I am a man who understands what family is. Family is us. Family is the being of who we are because without it we would all be lost FAMILY. woman, Kamala Harris, is running for president, America can put behind her racist, sexist past and strive toward a non-racist future. Opposing this enlightened future is former president Donald Trump. Speaking at a convention of Black journalists, Trump said it was news to him that Kamala Harris is Black. Trump still wants to make America white again. Race is pseudoscience; it is a contrivance of man that is used to exploit human beings. American citizens should never vote for someone because of their race. Gender is a different matter because it can in certain instances be an important factor. Maybe the time has come to elect a female president since a woman may bring a different, more cooperative perspective. Taking a presidential candidate’s gender into consideration when voting can help determine who is best suited to be the 47th president of the United States. But is Kamala Harris qualified to be president? Many vice presidents have become presidents, therefore being vice president is her primary qualification to be president. In my opinion, since she has not made any big mistakes (such as those made by Vice President Spiro Agnew during the Nixon era), she is qualified to be president. A Harris administration will continue to do the work of the Biden administration, and in due time, will evolve into its own distinct entity. The divine feminine that has been oppressed by patriarchal domination will now be free to release her energy and heal a broken world. I imagine President Harris singing Helen Reddy’s song “I Am Woman” at her inauguration on January 20, 2025. It can happen. Vote for Kamala Harris for President. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 It's called football! The sky has opened. The sun will shine. It’s football season in Ann Arbor. College towns across America are transforming into the wild, wacky times of football season in America! Even if you don’t like football, come on, admit it: you love football season in a college town. Look around — signs up, flags flying, rooting for your home team, anticipating a winning season … the new slogans, the students, the townies who have grown up here and have Michigan Football in their DNA. The whole city transforming right in front of your eyes. The highs, the lows, oh what a time to be alive. We wake up Saturday morning just knowing that the universe is on our side. How could it not be? I’ve got my lucky jersey on and you know what that means! Yes, we always win when I wear my lucky jersey. Okay, so what happened when we played Texas? Ahh, I know someone WAYNE S. Groundcover vendor No. 615 didn’t do their part. Oh my God! Someone didn’t do their part? How selfish can you be? Don’t you know we all have to do our part for this thing called football to work? I walked around the city after the game, taking it all in, analyzing the faces I saw. And you know what? I saw it all: disappointment, sadness, experiencing the hurt and dismay. Then the clouds parted and the sun shone down upon us. Because we are Michigan fans and that means we take the bad with the good. And no matter what, we get to wake up next Saturday morning and get to do it all over again. Yes, my friend, it’s Michigan Football in Ann Arbor again! f6RBeQf6RBeP בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://0cScUU_zdbxQmoLvrTvSL6hZTqF8N2xbjMzb0O2d3rU `I׉ 7cassandra://Tn9NddWwzfbhPn8e4x3rj_qWwJe9KuOWgOb9DQjFgok!`׉ 7cassandra://qz0r1docCAmL77GJbhYIocM-0QiiiYPhof_PF1gZVZ8P`f6RBeoנf6RBeiW9׉Hhttp://988lifeline.org/chatGׁ ׁ rנf6RBejE9׉Hhttp://988lifeline.org/chatGׁ ׁ rנf6RBek4̵9׉Hhttp://washtenaw.org/suicideGׁ ׁ rנf6RBer4̺9ׁHhttp://washtenaw.org/suicide.ׁ ׁ Ј׉EQ4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MENTAL HEALTH First "988 Day" observed on September 8 LYNN SUTFIN Michigan Department of Health and Human Services The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) joined with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to observe the first 988 Day on Sunday, September 8. 988 Day is a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline through the overarching theme of “No Judgement. Just Help.” This inaugural observance, coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Month, underscores the critical importance of behavioral health awareness, fostering open communication and extending support to individuals in their moment of need. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, (previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), is a 24/7 tollfree nationwide hotline consisting of a network of local call centers across the country that confidentially provide compassionate care for people with emotional distress or crisis related to life circumstances, anxiety, depression, suicide, mental health, substance use and more. This line offers immediate support to people when life gets to be too much, regardless of the reason for call. “Calls to Michigan’s 988 Lifeline are  INSP from page 2 Big Issue UK. Many panels took deep dives into the unique ways street papers across the world generate income for their vendors in addition to selling their newspaper or magazine. Just to name a few, at =Oslo, vendors can work at the =Kaffe making and serving coffee to the magazine’s customer-base and neighborhood. At the Big Issue UK, vendors can work for the “Big Issue Recruit” by connecting unemployed people to job vacancies across the UK. The Big Issue Japan started the “Nighttime Bakery” which hires vendors to pick up day-old bread and re-sell on the street during hours that bakeries are typically closed. And of course, there were presentations and displays on the variety of special edition products street newspapers produce: crossword editions, short story/fiction books, calendars, wrapping paper, children’s editions — examples of which can now be browsed at the Groundcover office! This year’s summit piloted an activity called “unconferencing” which gave delegates the chance to go deeper into the issues, opportunities and challenges not covered in the pre-set conference schedule. Street paper organizations across the network look quite different — some big, some small, some representing homelessness, others migrants, many languages and social issues. Topics chosen by the delegates included: reader engagement, cashless payments, data collection, rogue sellers, digitalization, social media and mental health for staff. The INSP Awards, a tradition of the summit, celebrates the successes and excellence of the movement. Although Groundcover News was not shortlisted this year for any award categories, we were proud to submit works in Best Photo, Best Vendor Contribution, Best Article/Journalism and Best Cover. You can see what we submitted in the graphic to the right. On the final night of the summit, INSP announced the location for the next summit: Portland, Oregon with host paper Street Roots! I am hopeful the upcoming conference based in the United States will allow for closer planning with Groundcover News, so we can organize much-needed programming and add focus on street paper vendors — the heart, soul, and reason for street organizations. Groundcover News application for INSP Awards 2024 newspaper answered by dedicated and welltrained staff who help connect those experiencing crisis with support and resources,” said Elizabeth Hertel, director. “Strengthening crisis care and mental health services continues to be a top priority for MDHHS. We encourage anyone experiencing a crisis, whether personally or through one of their family members, to use this resource whenever needed.” With rising levels of anxiety, emotional distress and overdose deaths, it is crucial people have somewhere to turn when they are in crisis. According to data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 40% of young Michiganders responding felt sad or hopeless during the 12 months before the survey and 16.9% had made a plan about how they would attempt suicide. For the state’s youth, 988 offers instant support through call, text or chat. Additionally, the 2022 State of Mental Health in America report showed more than 20% of Michigan adults were experiencing mental illness and more than 357,000 Michigan adults had serious thoughts of suicide. Further, the Washtenaw County Health Department's 2023 Firearm Death Report found these increases aligned locally as well. “When we compare 2014-2018 to 2019-2023, local firearm homicides have increased 113% and firearm suicides have increased 53%. Firearm deaths are preventable, and continued collective action is needed to save lives," said Juan Marquez, MD, MPH, Washtenaw County Health Department medical director. This report analyzed data from the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner Office. In 2023, most (66%) firearm deaths in Washtenaw County were suicides and 34% were classified as homicides. Resources The 988 Lifeline is a direct connection to immediate support and resources — the average time it takes for a call to be answered in Michigan is 14 seconds. People who are worried about a loved one who may need support can also call 988. There are specialized services available for veterans, LGBTQ+ youth and adults and other groups by selecting the corresponding option on the call menu. Crisis center calling services are available in English and Spanish, as well as a Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in more than 250 additional languages. Text and chat are currently available in English only. Suicide is preventable and help is available. Anyone in Washtenaw County can call Community Mental Health 24/7 with any mental health questions or concerns: 734-544-3050. Call 988, text 988, or visit 988lifeline. org/chat for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also text “HELLO” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. It’s important to know the warning signs for those at risk of suicide including: • Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or having no purpose, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, or being a burden to others. • Looking for or talking about ways to kill oneself. • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs. • Sleeping too little or too much. • Withdrawing from activities or isolating from family and friends. • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye. • Giving away prized possessions. • Displaying feelings of depression, anxiety, loss of interest, irritability, humiliation or shame, agitation or anger, and/or relief or sudden improvement. It is especially concerning if any of these warning signs are related to a painful event, loss or change. If someone you know shows warning signs of suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out. Take them seriously, talk to them in private, and ask directly about suicide calmly and without judgement. See more information at washtenaw.org/suicide. SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 BEST PHOTO Mike Jones (June 30, 2023) BEST COVER Street Mythology edition BEST JOURNALISM Alexandra Granberg, "Driver runs over homeless cyclist, cops take no action" (September 8, 2023) BEST VENDOR CONTRIBUTION Christopher Ellis, "Housed, unhoused or homeless?" (November 4, 2022) ׉ 7cassandra://qz0r1docCAmL77GJbhYIocM-0QiiiYPhof_PF1gZVZ8P`f6RBeU׉ESEPTEMBER 20, 2024 SHELTER Victory Inn shutdown upends the most vulnerable On Sept. 3, the Victory Inn on Washtenaw Ave. was shut down for severe code and health violations. The City of Ann Arbor responded to a variety of recent complaints about the inexpensive hotel by demanding that the building be shut down. A posted sign from a Building Official said, "DANGER This Structure Is Declared Unsafe For Human Occupancy Or Use." The hotel has a history of problems, including traditional code violations, the death of an employee due to carbon monoxide poisoning in 2023 and accusations about human trafficking and drug overdose deaths which resultd in a suit to close the building permanently in 2018. Owned by Jimmy Garmo of Southfield-based U.S. 23 Lodge LLC, the Victory Inn motel is at the corner of Washtenaw and U.S. 23, one of the most high traffic areas in Ann Arbor. Due to further code violations and as a resolution to the 2018 suit, the motel building is scheduled to be replaced with a modern building and new branding — turning into the Staybridge Suites and Holiday Inn Express. Many homeless/housing-insecure people were impacted by the Sept. 3 condemnation. One of them I met at Bridge Community Cafe; her name is Brittany. Brittany is a 20-year-old woman who was living at the Victory Inn. The room was being paid for by a mentor. According to management, the building was also being shut down that week to begin the construction. No one told Brittney or Molly, her mentor. I asked Brittany for an interview. GCN: Tell me a little bit about your past, whatever you're comfortable with sharing. Brittany: I grew up in a toxic household where every day my mom and my dad was fighting. My mom even tried to kill herself in front of us. GCN: Sorry to hear that. That's rough. Brittany: My dad died when I was 11. I went into foster care when I was eight years old. Then I got out when I was 17. Recently, I was placed in jail for assault. That's pretty much about me, I'm just wild in some ways. GCN: Well, you're 20, of course you're going to be a little wild. Tell me about your stay at Victory Inn. Brittany: Monday afternoon, I went to Victory Inn, me and my mentor got the room for a few days, her name's Molly. GCN: Are you calling them mentor and then a job. Commissioner Sara HammerJIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 because they were assigned to you from an agency or is it just somebody that knows you that's helping you out? Brittany: She's happy to help out. GCN: So you and your mentor went to Victory Inn and what happened? Brittany: She paid for the room, it was all cool, nobody said anything about it being shut down. The next morning (Tuesday), I left to run some errands. I come back around 3, 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I walked in and immediately the worker said I had to go. I was like, why do I need to leave? They said the building's being shut down. GCN: They let you get your stuff but you said they didn’t offer your mentor a refund? Brittany indicated they did not. Molly was owed $380. GCN: Did they give you any reason why they were keeping your money? Brittany: No. GCN: So you said you were evicted that day? Brittany: Yes, Tuesday afternoon. GCN: What did you do that night? Brittany: I called Molly and she got me a room at Harmony House. GCN: So you haven't had to sleep on the street? Brittany: No. GCN: What's next? Brittany: I'm in a hotel room provided by Ozone House. I plan on getting an apartment through Ozone, schmidt said in an MLive article the building [Victory Inn motel] was "less than desirable." “The city took action in court in 2018 to try to shut it down, citing a history of prostitution, human trafficking and numerous police dispatches to the hotel, which the city deemed a public nuisance and threat to public safety. “The city agreed to drop its case in 2019 after getting cooperation from the hotel with efforts to decrease crime on the property, increasing daily rates, scrapping hourly renting, requiring identification at check-in and adding security measures. That led to a decrease in calls for police service and a decrease in severity of calls, the city attorney’s office said in 2019.” (MLive. com “Plans to raze, construct new hotel approved for Ann Arbor’s Victory Inn site” Jun. 26, 2024) It did lead to a reduction in the number and severity of calls, at least for a time, but at the expense of housing-insecure members of our community. What stood out was that increasing daily rates was a strategy in their crime reduction plan. This serves to also exclude individuals who aren’t using the space to commit survival crimes but need the low rate for survival. Independent sex workers are also impacted by increased rates and the elimination of hourly rates. However, sex traffickers might not be deterred by higher prices. The minimum need for human shelter is warmth/climate control, safety from imminent danger, privacy, access to showers, laundry and toilet, and reliability. Motels do all of that. Motels with low rates are an essential resource for shelter. But business is business, including pricing people out of the motel option by raising rates. On September 3, the Victory Inn was declared unsafe for human occupancy or use, displacing people relying on low rates for shelter. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 f6RBeVf6RBeU בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://dfCXrdAQ2HgY5nSjUkMvNsf3CBIV1XTib1Eo3az8EUg`I׉ 7cassandra://dNlYzLp9kOCp4O4xYTHaASjTL0KqO-rAUC11Fe1OvXk'd`׉ 7cassandra://sUhKUtgLHswhuSF9f0ayEgT8ux0F0ixE5rzoKfoWSNIR`f6RBesנf6RBev<)̠9ׁHhttp://annarborshelter.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS SHELTER SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 Recuperative Care program for homeless attempts to fill healthcare gap ROBBIE FEBRUARY Groundcover contributor The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, in partnership with Packard Health, has a program to help homeless people recover after leaving the hospital. It's called the Recuperative Care program, and it's a safe place where people can stay and get better. They get a temporary bed, medical care and help finding a permanent home, all without cost. It runs out of the Delonis Center in Ann Arbor, and there are currently 12 beds. While it is not a skilled nursing facility, the partnership with Packard Health (as well as participation and referrals from Michigan Medicine and Trinity Health) means there is contact with healthcare professionals who can spot problems and make referrals to health organizations. Patients see the well-loved Dr. Ravi Vadlamudi from Packard Health and receive holistic care including analysis of overall health. Megan Daniels serves as a fulltime nurse. The pilot for the program, which is managed by Recuperative and Crisis Care Coordinator Shannon Gilroy LLMSW, took place in 2019, and the program started up in 2021. To get in often requires a referral, and there are detailed instructions for qualified personnel on the SAWC website, www. annarborshelter.org, by searching for the Shelter Association’s Programs page. According to that website, Recuperative Care programs offer several key benefits: • Breaking the cycle of hospital readmissions: By providing a safe space for homeless individuals to recover after hospital discharge, these programs prevent unnecessary returns to the hospital. • Promoting overall health and well-being: Recuperative care allows individuals to fully heal from illness or injury, improving their long-term health outcomes. • Facilitating access to essential services: These programs connect individuals with primary care, behavioral health services and social services, addressing their comprehensive needs. • Supporting housing stability: By assisting individuals in finding permanent housing, recuperative care programs contribute to long-term stability and self-sufficiency. This program is important because some people who are homeless get stuck in a tough cycle. They leave the hospital but have nowhere to rest and heal, so they end up back in the hospital again or face a lot of avoidable pain and suffering. The SAWC program wants to break that cycle and help people get back on their feet and stop struggling against the rejection they often face. For example: see that person in the park with the dog? I've known him a bit. I have even Narcanned him. He was so blue before he started breathing again. He has worms for pets. I mean, his pets have worms. He also has worms. His worms should have been addressed by any of a handful of hospital stays. I attempted to reach members of HAWC and other avenues to help him out. Obviously, if he had had a recuperative care program to care for him intensively, many of his longer-term problems could have been avoided. This long-term unhoused individual, who wants to remain anonymous, has spent over four years on the street. He fares pretty well, takes care of his Recuperative and Crisis Care Coordinator Shannon Gilroy in front of the Packard Health Clinic located at the Delonis Center. Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Mondays and 1-6 p.m. onThursdays. immediate needs. He has recently cleaned up and looks pretty dapper. But since he and his pet dog have intestinal parasites, they are carriers for hookworm. Sarge, my friend with two decades of history on Washtenaw’s streets, notes about the health system, “The lack of care is keeping people on the streets.” He is critical of the program, saying it doesn’t work. However, the problem seems less that the program is not working than that not enough people know it exists. Recuperative Care has served 122 people in its short life. Gilroy commented, “It’s a very needed and valuable resource in the community. There are only four or five Recuperative Care Centers in the state so we get referrals from all over the place. But we concentrate on the Washtenaw area. We get referrals from our two health care systems in Washtenaw County. "It’s been just incredible to see the things that have happened here. We've had folks come through with stage 4 cancer and we’ve been able to heal them and see them go on to get housing. It's clear how much it’s needed so that people are not dying outside.” Gilroy admitted that fewer people than optimal know about it, including those who might make referrals. Gilroy feels strongly about helping individuals who might not have a referral, saying, “If they come to the clinics on the second floor here at Delonis or even just the front desk, I can help them see a medical professional. I can help them.” The clinics are held Monday morning 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Thursdays 1:00-6:00 p.m. Gilroy would love to see the program expand and possibly get its own location. There is precedent for that. A similar program, L.A. Care Health Plan, teamed up with National Health Foundation to test out a new program that provides temporary housing and healthcare in a stand-alone facility for homeless folks who are fresh out of the hospital. It's like a halfway house. Gilroy acknowledged there are (hopefully temporary) problems and wants to address the space limitations that sometimes require turning people away, but understandably said, “I am very pleased with the way it’s going.” ׉ 7cassandra://sUhKUtgLHswhuSF9f0ayEgT8ux0F0ixE5rzoKfoWSNIR`f6RBeW׉E;SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 SHELTER GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Left: Sean Chese of Forward Design, who is installing drywall, stands in front of the brand new roof at Purple House. Right: Diversified Roofing working on roof construction. Forward Design Build Remodel helps MISSION go green at Purple House ANTHONY MCCORMICK Groundcover contributor Forward Design Build Remodel, in partnership with other contractors, is catalyzing a transformative journey for Purple House, a vibrant house of hospitality. This timely collaboration aims to propel Purple House (aka Jimmy Hill Memorial House) into a new era of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, ensuring a warmer and more welcoming space. MISSIONa2, a nonprofit in Ann Arbor, provides a variety of services for people experiencing homelessness, at Purple House along with their other projects, which include Mercy House in Ann Arbor and Hospitality House in Ypsilanti. Amazingly, Forward Design is doing the work for this project at cost, using volunteers whenever possible. Included are: a new roof (already completed), renovation of two of the bathrooms, and an upgrade of the electrical systems. The company partnered with MISSION to host a successful fundraiser at the house in early July to pay for the project. “We set up a GoFundMe that helped us do more so we were able to add the roof to our original list of proposed projects,” said Carly Withers, Design Team Leader. “But the most important thing was addressing the water issues. That included the roof and over 16 leaks in the bathrooms. Since showers are a large part of what the Jimmy Hill House provides, we knew that [improving the bathrooms] would provide a service for everyone involved.” Forward Design also donated to another phase of going green: the installation of solar panels by Homeland Solar. Central to this endeavor is upgrading to a state-of-the-art electrical system. Skilled technicians will replace aging wiring, change over to modern electrical systems and introduce energy-efficient solutions, such as lighting and insulated window blinds. These will all significantly reduce the house’s energy consumption and create a more thermally efficient envelope for Purple House. The solar panels will provide all of the electricity used in the house, ensuring lower carbon emissions and greatly lowering operational costs. The project encompasses the installation of energy-efficient appliances throughout the facility, from refrigerators and freezers to dishwashers. These upgrades will not only contribute to Purple House's overall energy efficiency but also enhance the daily operations of the community center. The collaboration between Forward Design Company and the Homeland Solar electrical company is a testament to their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. By combining their expertise, they are empowering Purple House to become a beacon of sustainability within the Ann Arbor community. The project aligns perfectly with Forward Design Company's mission of promoting innovative and sustainable design solutions. Other collaborators with Forward Design who contributed to the project include Chelsea Plumbing (labor and toilets), Ferguson (faucets and vanity), Jaco Electric (labor), Gross Electric (bath fans), Diversified Roofing (labor and materials), Dignified Dumpsters (a dumpster), Flooring Consultants of Michigan (labor and materials) and Star Painting (painting labor). Brian Durrance, who was the main project liaison on the MISSIONa2 board, said, “We are very grateful, especially to [Forward Design’s] Design Team leader Carly Withers. We are also very grateful to Project Manager Ryan Bieber who is doing a wonderful job of moving the project forward. They have already installed a new roof, they have upgraded our electrical service, and they are currently renovating two bathrooms so that we can better provide shower services to our guests. We are just very grateful in general. “And we’re very excited about their generous donation for the installation of the solar panels. These solar panels will make it possible to provide meals and laundry services at a fraction of the cost.” Withers responded in kind. “We know that the MISSION people are happy with us, and that makes us happy in return.” She added, “I think the people [on site] were touched by this more than they realized they would be.” Together, MISSIONa2 and Forward Design are empowering Purple House to make a positive impact on the environment, reduce its operating costs, and provide a more comfortable and welcoming space for the community, especially during the cold winter months when they will run their weather amnesty overnight shelter program. This transformative journey embodies the power of collaboration when forprofit companies embrace a justice ethic and work together to create a more sustainable future. exp. 01/31/2025 f6RBeXf6RBeW בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://ueFObDRkGhhc2R4Xo7HWBWxV8X5jppHvZAXct_-JRb0X`I׉ 7cassandra://XJ9GYgC-T9GLxJtQLvNIaiEu9ZVWV3ewjxKLdva19Xo`׉ 7cassandra://BRw12l_N62iK7TEug7iQ6cclVw3CZnu1vgzdKFLQPukQ`f6RBewנf6RBeuc̶9׉Hhttp://hshv.org/friendsforlife/Gׁ ׁ rנf6RBe{f̶9ׁHhttp://hshv.org/friendsforlife/ׁ ׁ Ј׉E 8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR VOICES Humane Society helps people keep their "friends for life" programs to help people and pets stay together to avoid separation anxiety in circumstances such as loss of home or moving. They are specifically for low income families and individuals and support a large variety of animals. The provided help includes vet care, CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 Animals are for some people very sacred and a lifeline when it comes to personal issues — for example, seeing eye dogs or emotional support animals for people with special needs. Many service animals who are helping people with disabilities need extra care. The Bountiful Bowls Pet Food Assistance, Safe Harbor and Pet Care programs at the Human Society of Huron Valley help these people in low income groups with extra pet care. The programs provide food assistance based on food availability and pet care is on a case-by-case basis. Safe Harbor sheltering is for emergency help like natural disasters, house fires or medical emergencies. The Humane Society has created these food, neutering and other animal paraphernalia such as leads, cages, toys and more. This helps animals to stay off the streets and stay with owners for life. Each case is different based on the needs of the animal, whether dogs or cats or other pets. Some people have such a hard time even feeding animals. This program is available to help keep animals safe and provided for during hard times for families and individuals. Vet care is important for fleas, ticks and other illnesses that animals need help with that can cost so much now, and for medications for some animals who have conditions like allergies or illnesses. They need help as well and this program gives them real opportunities. If you need Friends for Life services from Humane Society of Huron Valley, call 734661-3550, visit hshv.org/friendsforlife/ or look at their advertisements in past issues of Groundcover News. DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 September is one of the best months of the year. It’s one of the last months with really good weather and one of the last months of hot weather. September is a great month to enjoy God's and Jesus’s great creations outdoors. It’s a colorful month too. September is a month to say goodbye to good weather by enjoying the outside. September is also the month my birthday falls on and that’s important. September is a good time to celebrate and thank God for what the month has to offer. SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 September, the good month ׉ 7cassandra://BRw12l_N62iK7TEug7iQ6cclVw3CZnu1vgzdKFLQPukQ`f6RBeZ׉EtSEPTEMBER 20, 2024 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD International Network of Street Papers 9 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 a voluntary purchase. 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 past monthly issues. • 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 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 please email contact@groundcovernews. com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. Very, in music 6. Scoundrels 10. Atlantic fish 14. Navy ___ 15. Alliance 16. A non-American's unit of weight 17. Repeated behavior 18. Follower of the Pentagram 20. Protozoa 22. Papa's partner 23. "___ the season ..." 24. Branch of the United States Armed Forces 26. Australian runner 27. "Star Trek" rank: Abbr. 28. "___, humbug!" 29. Schematic drawing 31. Poison plant 33. Aardvark fare 34. What some might call a place without dissent 39. Oyster's favorite stitch? 40. Come to 41. Progress 45. Anger 46. Finish, with "up" 49. Born, in bios 50. Order including ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies 53. "To ___ is human ..." 54. Carbon compound 55. Have-not 56. They'll get your boat going in a jiffy, but don't ask for gas 59. Manicurist's or carpenter's concern 60. On the safe side, at sea 61. Exec's note 62. Clear, as a disk 63. "Check this out!" 64. Father of Balder 65. Force units DOWN 1. "That's ___!" ("Too bad!") 2. Deck figure 3. Light weapons? 4. Accused's need 5. City in the headlines for a crackdown on journalism 6. "60 Minutes" network 7. "Remember the ___!" 8. Geezer 9. Seafood dish 10. Schuss, e.g. 11. Water tanks 12. Final 13. Animals known for playing dead 19. Astronaut's insignia 21. Clothes lines 25. Crack, as lips 30. Acquire 31. Aria, e.g. 32. Aviary sound 34. Memorials 35. Solar system models 36. Drops from the sky 37. Canton neighbor 38. Intensified 39. Tree secretion 42. "Beg pardon ..." 43. Go-getter 44. Like salmon, often 46. Highway divider 47. End of a threat 48. Breaks down a sentence 51. Fragrant resin 52. Like some goodbyes 57. Rent 58. Howard of "Happy Days" f6RBe[f6RBeZ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://QV5afarvAQkq5bUXkTpq3rkQ5MmLfxLJKBnObyCI4BQ<`I׉ 7cassandra://ae40hQiLaU95cqDRa-a-rtMMGBlAYmT0A6v4vMyArJU#1`׉ 7cassandra://_tjz8DJEo2rmUrcmoYaixVnsIHL69lJn1mkd-vbpmoUQ`f6RBe|נf6RBey mŔ9׉Hhttp://trashtalktour.orgGׁ ׁ rנf6RBez n9׉Hhttp://cmoutreachcollective.orgGׁ ׁ rנf6RBe n9ׁHhttp://cmoutreachcollective.orgׁ ׁ Јנf6RBe mŬ9ׁHhttp://trashtalktour.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E 10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS CREATIVE The Awakening of Expansive Cosmovision cosmovisions. Human interaction becomes a path to expanding understanding and empathy. Then we navigate the ocean of PEDRO CAMPOS Groundcover vendor No. 652 The journey begins transcendentally towards understanding our place in the universe. By exploring the five levels of cosmovision, we dive into an incessant quest for meaning, wisdom and connection with the cosmos in its myriad manifestations. First: the internal awakening, where introspection allows us to transform information into knowledge and acquire wisdom. Here, we become protagonists of our own existence, capable of catalyzing energies and acting for the common good. The second level invites us to look outward and recognize the world around us, understanding that each individual is a portal to a diversity of human knowledge, exploring ancestral teachings and the vast possibilities that unfold at every moment. Social networks and intercultural interaction are living sources of intellectual and spiritual enrichment. Next we go beyond the limits of planet Earth, to the vast observable cosmos. Using scientific and technological tools, we seek to understand the mysteries of the universe and our position within it, constantly expanding our horizons. Finally, in the fifth plane, we enter the spiritual dimension, where we explore holistic connection, transcendence and a full understanding of the meaning of the divine. The expansion of cosmovision is a journey of dual significance to the core of the primal and simultaneously expansive inner being, from the observable universe and beyond. Read, see and explore the Cosmonauts on Pedro Campos's Instagram: @pedrocamposbrasil PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Poem LA SHAWN COURTWRIGHT Groundcover vendor No. 56 It's apparent that the more they abuse the opportunity to cast me down on their invalid records that in their minds only referenced by those... Minimize my person!! They're not deep enough To meet me eye to eye!! - AN INVITATION FROM KEN PARKS: Come celebrate my 82nd birthday and the Day of Che! October 6 (the Sunday before my birthday) at the Ann Arbor Friends Meeting House, 1420 Hill Street, from 4-8 p.m. It is a potluck party with a screening of the 1954 film, "Salt of the Earth” at 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 ׉ 7cassandra://_tjz8DJEo2rmUrcmoYaixVnsIHL69lJn1mkd-vbpmoUQ`f6RBe^׉EXSEPTEMBER 20, 2024 EVENTS FOR CHANGE Trash Talk: sustainable fashion and beauty Over the past few years, the climate advocacy movement and its teenage leaders have been at the forefront of the news. With a surprising sense of urgency, the younger generations joined this movement and expanded it beyond belief. The media has exploded with educational content, calls for action and tips on living a sustainable lifestyle. Sustainability is becoming more and more mainstream. But apart from the youth’s online excitement, how eager are teenagers actually about saving the planet? Well, in my experience, most teenagers in Ann Arbor have mixed feelings about it. For one, young people are welcoming the idea of being sustainable and making decisions that will have long lasting benefits … but only to an extent. Once staying sustainable begins to interfere with their ability to have fun or buy the products that make them feel best — from clothes to beauty products to food — it starts to take the backseat. For many people, making sustainable decisions can seem daunting or even impossible, especially when it comes to the world of fashion and beauty. There’s a perception that sustainable or “green” products are over twice as expensive as regular products and can be harder to find in stores. Even further, the idea that sustainability can only happen through more — more purchases, more practices, more green appliances — has become widespread. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Many sustainable practices can save you money: thrifting (like the To share local resources on how you MAISIE WEYHENG Groundcover contributor origin of its name) means you can purchase used clothing and household items at a fraction of the price of buying things new. Reducing the amount you buy has even bigger impacts on your wallet, and the climate. Everyday life is full of decisions — from deciding what soap to buy to buying a house. And those decisions, especially about what you buy, have huge consequences on the climate because nearly half of global emissions come from producing stuff and food. And with 2024 rounding out to be perhaps the hottest year on record, climate change and its ever-impending consequences are becoming increasingly apparent to consumers and companies alike. And if we want to slow this catastrophic warming, many, if not all, of our everyday life decisions will have to be made with sustainability in mind. In a Microsoft report, a whopping 88% of people globally make sustainable purchases when able. But that’s the catch — what if people aren’t able to make sustainable purchases? can be sustainable without breaking the bank, Her Horizon, a local initiative focused on making sustainable living accessible to all, is joining Trash Talk Tour 2024 and welcomes you to attend Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Element at this year’s Fall Festival at Kiwanis on September 29. This innovative element of the event advocates for sustainable fashion/ beauty practices and recognizes businesses and brands that fit under this umbrella. With vendors like BYOC (Bring Your Own Container) and Plato’s Closet attending, community members will have a chance to shop for sustainably sourced clothing and beauty products that are affordable. The Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Element will not only provide community members with easy access to sustainable fashion/beauty, but will also educate the community about the waste levels related to the fashion/beauty industry. The Ross Retail Club from the University of Michigan will be facilitating activities about the fashion/beauty industry and offering mentorship to community members. There will also be an interactive kids’ table with fun, fashion-centered activities and games to inspire youth to make sustainable decisions and rethink their closets. Throughout the course of the event, Her Horizon will be raising money for Menstrumate: a female-founded, India-based nonprofit that distributes sustainable menstrual products made from agricultural discards to rural communities. This past June, I had the GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 Trash Talk Tour 2023 incredible opportunity to travel to Kochi, India and meet 100 other amazing teenage girls from the United States and South Asia. While attending this UN/U.S. State Department program, I met Anupriya, the CEO of Menstrumate. Meeting Anupriya and hearing her story was beyond inspiring and it truly encouraged me to delve deeper into gender-justice issues and their implications with the climate crisis. With this global tie-in, Her Horizon hopes to expand the education component of the event to show how the sustainable fashion/beauty industry takes shape in other areas of the world as well as supports other female advocates and entrepreneurs. To take part in this exciting event, on September 29 from 12-3 p.m. at Kiwanis (100 N Staebler Road), please RSVP at trashtalktour.org! Run for change with Concert Music Outreach Collective CONCERT MUSIC OUTREACH COLLECTIVE Concert Music Outreach Collective (CMOC), a pioneering non-profit bringing classical music performances to underserved communities in Michigan's prisons and homeless shelters, has announced that the organization will be one of the charity partners for the annual Ann Arbor Marathon on October 13. Founder and director Allyson Cohen will run the full 26.2 mile race to raise awareness and funds for CMOC’s mission to bridge the gap in classical music access. “I’m thrilled to take on the challenge of running the marathon in support of CMOC,” said Cohen. “The work we do aims to combat the disparities in access to classical music by bringing concerts to underserved communities. Every dollar raised from this marathon will directly support these efforts.” CMOC stands out by employing innovative engagement practices that break down barriers between performers and audiences. The organization’s concert series in Michigan’s prisons and shelters prioritizes contemporary works by underrepresented composers, fostering a deeper connection through post-performance discussions that engage and empower participants. The goal is to create a welcoming sanctuary for all, using music as a tool to foster inclusivity and dismantle the elitism traditionally associated with classical music. "Music is a powerful medium that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers. It unites people in their shared humanity," Cohen explained. "At CMOC, we believe in the transformative power of music, and we’re committed to making classical music accessible to everyone, no matter their circumstances." Beyond its regular concert series, CMOC has recently launched two new projects: 1. Field Trip Project: This initiative brings audiences from shelters and prisons to professional concert halls, providing them with the opportunity to experience world-class performances. 2. Commissioning Project: CMOC will premiere up to five compositions each year by BIPOC student composers. The compositions will be professionally recorded for the students’ portfolios, offering them invaluable support at the start of their careers. Cohen’s marathon run serves as a platform to raise both awareness and funds for CMOC's vital work. Donations — no matter the size — will directly benefit CMOC’s ongoing mission. “Even a $1 contribution can help make a meaningful impact," said Cohen. "Together, we can break down barriers and share the beauty of classical music with those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it." To support Allyson Cohen's marathon run and the Concert Music Outreach Collective’s mission, donations can be made directly through CMOC’s website cmoutreachcollective.org or through the Ann Arbor Marathon charity platform. f6RBe_f6RBe^ בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://ee8waCN0jcZmgJ90BWKltnAtT2b8N-ycN0Q0K0NDBDo&:`׉ 7cassandra://Y6VcCBPkUByrwdZBPfW8cwRr2ED9sFIG18HnImj_0KA͍i`h׉ 7cassandra://LHS9QbBCat7JLfHPlYYcXyZiwyW5EgySt9ncfefEM3c-`f6RBeנf6RBeb 9ׁHhttp://PEOPLESFOOD.COOPׁ ׁ Ј׉E12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Cowboy caviar JACOB FALLMAN Groundcover contributor Ingriedients: 3 Roma tomatoes, seeds removed, diced 2 avocados, diced ⅓ cup red onion, diced 15 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained 15 oz canned black eyed peas, rinsed and drained 1 ½ cups frozen corn, thawed 1 bell pepper diced, any color 1 jalapeño, seeds removed, finely diced ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro Tortilla chips for serving Dressing: ⅓ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (fresh preferred) 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon granulated sugar ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon garlic powder SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 Directions: Combine tomatoes, avocado, onion, black beans, black eyed peas, corn, pepper, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl. Toss/stir well so that ingredients are well-combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour dressing over other ingredients and stir/toss very well. Keep refrigerated. If not serving immediately, be sure to toss/stir well before serving. $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 9/20/2024 ׉ 7cassandra://LHS9QbBCat7JLfHPlYYcXyZiwyW5EgySt9ncfefEM3c-`f6RBe`׈Ef6RBeaf6RBe` ,September 20, 2024f}\1%[