Monday, October 08th, 2007
Homeless Group Set to Launch Monthly Paper
Homeless individuals looking for a way to make money may start hawking newspapers. A group of homeless men and women along with several advocates are working toward launching a monthly newspaper.
The would-be reporters want to share information within the homeless community and educate those who have a place to call home about life on the street.
Kevin Barbieux [bar-BEW (like ‘pew’)], who runs a blog called ‘the homeless guy,’ came up with the paper concept. Freelance journalist Tasha French is running with it.
French says the content will include news stories and editorials, along with other traditional newspaper features like cartoons and crosswords. She says the emphasis, though, is on unbiased reporting.
“We’ve already gotten some editorials that are, you know, attacking specific organization, and we’re really trying to gently put the lid on that for now. There will be a time for us to show more sides and have editorials that are a little more heated. But for now, we’re trying to keep the paper friendly, make it welcoming, without making it impotent.”
French says they hope the first issue of ‘The Contributor’ is ready to sell by November 8th. Aside from commissioning articles, the paper is looking to sell ad space to area churches and non-profits.
The paper is seeking non-profit status itself. The only people making any money will likely be the homeless individual themselves, who will buy the papers for a quarter and sell them for a dollar.
