Person First Project is a photo blog that seeks to give those currently or formerly experiencing homelessness in D.C. the chance to share their stories. In doing this, we hope to reduce the barriers that separate people in D.C. and spark a dialogue. The Person First Project aims to connect us – and to make us all feel a bit more human.
“I’ve been living here at Open Arms for a little over a year – and it’s been great. The staff at Open Arms are really, really great ladies. I was diagnosed with depression and stress. They really, really helped me out. I feel better about myself. I feel more independent. I can relax and not have to look over my shoulder about anything.
My happiest memory was traveling with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus. I was working security at the DC Armory, and I came home from my security job and told my mom, ‘I’m going away with the circus.’ She said, ‘Girl you’re not going anywhere!’ I was in my late 20s. I said, ‘Yes I am!’ and started packing my bags. She said, ‘She’ll be back tomorrow.’ The next time I called my mom I was in Roanoke, Virginia. I’m from DC; I was born and raised in DC General. She was surprised that I had really left.
I traveled with them for three years, from 2000 to 2003. I was assistant animal trainer and animal caretaker. I took care of the elephants, the tigers, alpacas, all sorts of animals… the horses, everything. I had hands-on with all the animals. The elephants were my favorite. One elephant in particular… her name was Ciam. When I took a vacation she missed me, and when I came back she hollered and tooted her trumpet. I used to feed her by hand and give her sodas. She loved sodas.”
– Stacy
*Stacy lives at Open Arms Housing: The Mission of Open Arms Housing, Inc. is to provide permanent homes with a welcoming and supportive environment to women who are homeless with a variety of mental health issues. Our goal is to create safe, comfortable housing tailored to meet individual needs and to promote housing stability, using a Housing First approach.
Recent Stories
From a press release: “The vibrant blocks on 14th Street from Spring Rd to Shepherd St, known as “Little Mexico” due to their high concentration of Mexican restaurants, are preparing…
Thanks to L. for sending this beautiful 98 Olds. Sweet City Ride is made possible by readers like you!
Ed. Note: If this was you, please email [email protected] so I can put you in touch with OP. “Dear PoPville, Where: Outside of Mi Vida on 14th St When: Tuesday…
“Eleanor II (all black) and Theo (tailless tuxie) newly of Van Ness. We lived in a basement unit before, so the cats are really loving the sunshine.” If you have…
Good news, D.C. area. You can save money on your next home cleaning with Well-Paid Maids. It’s easy!
We offer a discount when you set up recurring cleans — and the discounts just increased this week!
For weekly cleans, get $30 off each cleaning.
Potomac Harmony is Back! Following a gap year of competing, then virtual rehearsals during the pandemic, followed by the well-earned retirement of our long-term director, a year of a director search, Potomac Harmony hit the regional contest stage in Concord, North Carolina in March for the first time since 2018! It was exhilarating, reaffirming, and rewarding!
The chorus hit all of its goals, the biggest of which was to have fun and sing our best on contest stage — we did both! Because we earned a score over 400 points, our new Director, Allison Lynskey, was awarded the Novice Director award, photo above. Additionally, one of our charter members, Jackie Bottash, was nominated for and honored with the Leadership Excellence award. It was a celebratory weekend!
What’s next? So much! We now look forward to upcoming performances, growing our membership, and expanding our musical product with new arrangements and an education component each week. It’s an exciting time to be part of this ever-growing ensemble!
St Mary Armenian Church Annual Spring Food Festival
Come hungry and leave happy! Experience culture, community, and cuisine all in one place. See you at the festival!!!!
Comedy Cabaret
Kick up your heels at Bad Medicine’s COMEDY CABARET extravaganza at the DC Improv Comedy Club on Tuesday, May 21st. Revel in the sights and sounds of this entertaining musical revue, with songs, dance and sketch comedy that will have
