A Publication of the Coalition on Homelessness
by Jack Bragen
“Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” – United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 3
Every person of every race, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation and disability should have the right to exist, and people should let us be when we are minding our own business. If someone has a benign agenda,
by Javier Bremond
Living in San Francisco, it’s fairly obvious that the ruling class has an unfair influence on our daily lives. But for an entire week last month, the City sent a message to its constituents: “We’re throwing a big party, and you’re not invited.” Apparently, the closest comparison in terms of scale and importance is the establishment of the United Nations, which took place here in 1945.
by Chris Lee
Homeless deaths have surged in recent years. In Oakland, Chronic illness and addictions make up most of homeless deaths by 47% and 31% respectively
John Janosko has been on and off methamphetamine for the last several years while homeless in West Oakland. However, it may not be the addiction that kills the 55-year-old. His heart might give up first.
Janosko is one of thousands of homeless residents with comorbidities that put him at risk of an early death.
by Bradley Penner
As mounting pressure from the City of Berkeley brings Eighth and Harrison to its breaking point, one resident sheds light through the cracks
Clarence “OG” Galtney, 65, spent the morning of November 6 bagging possessions and clearing the perimeter of his tent on Harrison Street, a process he says he’s gone through over twenty times in Berkeley over the past ten years.
The sweep Galtney was preparing for had been a long time coming.
Sahra Nawabi (Youth Lead, Alameda County’s Youth Advisory Board) & Hannah Moore (Youth
Services Program Manager, Alameda County Office of Homelessness Coordination
Introduction:
Sahra (pronounced SAH- RO) Nawabi is Alameda County’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) youth lead. The YAB is a body of youth who have experienced or are currently experiencing homelessness. The group advises on policy, programs and funding in Alameda County’s homeless response system.
In honor of National Runaway and Homeless Youth Awareness and Prevention Month
Housing is a Human Right by Jace
Long Way Home by Tammy Nguyen
How Are We To Live (Haiku) by Isaac Lira
Flip It! by Anonymous
Blessings Come Down by Adonnia Gray
Covenant House by Ray Corona
by Derrickson
My name is Derrickson and I have a long story to tell. But to cut it short, I will just say that my journey to the United States of America was the scariest moment of my life. I was 16 years old when I lost my dad. I lived with my friend’s parents for three years, along with my little sister who is 7 years of age. I had to drop out of school because of my money situation,
by Sabrina Abong
My name is Sabrina Catherine Abong. I am 26, a homeowner, a single mom, and a Tesla worker. I want to create systemic change. I first entered foster care when I was 3 years old and re-entered care between the ages of 13 to 21. During my time in care, it was rough going to different homes and high schools. I’ve had the opportunity to have my biological parents come back,
by Isaiah Clark
Knew Ya
Don’t act like it’s a past life
It was prolly last night
You would always gasp like
Every time that I cried
Had me fuckin capsized
I don’t need it baptized
I don’t need more time, aight
nothing ever lasts, right
I saw a flower in flight
and wonder if I ever knew ya
Fast-talkin,
by Jordan Davis
In November of 2022, I voted no on the charter amendment to create a Homelessness Oversight Commission in San Francisco. But I am secretly glad it passed, because it is yet another forum where I can criticize the government. It is good that the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing is on the hot seat.
Every meeting, I enjoy reading the director’s report and highlighting various details of programs,
