Vendor Profile: Stanley “Action” Jackson

https://handup.org/members/stanley

Where you from?

I’m from Oakland. I moved to San Francisco in 2000, and I’ve been homeless here since 2000. I still live in the shelters, and I’ll be re-evaluated for coordinated entry on the 16th (of April).

How long have you been selling Street Sheets?
Since 2000. I like it because it gives me a chance to meet and talk to people. I like the contact with people. I’m a freelance vendor, so I sell the paper all over the city.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a born again Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ. That’s what keeps the joy in my, that’s what keeps me happy. I think people would be surprised to learn that about me. I might not be perfect, but my faith in God is.

What do people who haven’t been homeless think about homeless people that is false?

People believe that people out here want to be homeless. That they’re worthless. But the times, today in this city right here, we got working homeless. Some people have two jobs and still homeless. Not everybody gave up.

What are you most proud of in your life?
My pool shooting career. I was once the number one pool player in San Francisco at one time. They called me Action Jackson because I love action. I played Minnesota Fats. But the guy that beat him in the movie (“The Hustler”), Fast Eddie Parker, I met him, I played him! He’s from Oakland. All the legendary players, I met them all. I used to go to Vegas Stardust tournament pretty much every year.

With enough help, homelessness could be avoided in the United States. This city is one of those cities that when they make new buildings they have to have a certain percent go to low-income. But now they are taking SROs and kicking everyone out, replacing them with folks can pay $1,000 or more. I think the top 10% in the world should give some of their tax money to building housing for people who have no housing.

A smiling Street Sheet vendor sits on a desk wearing his vendor badge