Support

Person First Project – Allen “I’m okay…. But, it’s just… help. I need help.”

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.

allen

“I’m okay…. But, it’s just… help. I need help.”

What kind of help?

“That’s just it. I don’t even know. I’m good financially; I’m on social security. But the steps are what I’m having trouble with. The steps to get my own place, having my own food, never asking nobody for nothin’… that’s where I want to be at.

Say if you were in my shoes. You have about $1,100 you get on the third of the month. You ain’t got bills or a place to stay. No phone. No responsibilities, no nothing. I’m homeless. How would you manage? For me, soon as I get it, three days and it’s back to square one. Spent because I smoke K2.”

Doesn’t that scare you? I’ve heard a lot about the side effects of K2.

“I ain’t gonna sit here and lie. The other day – this dude was passed out by Union Station. He had a joint and a cigarette. I don’t know what was in that blunt, but next thing I know my blood pressure was 120/60 and I was in the hospital. Took this blunt and it put me in the motherf*cking hospital.

This is my real first time being homeless. I’ve been out here a couple weeks now. It’s messed up. My life is so glum. My life is so dull. I mean, I’m not going to sit here and stress, but I kind of have to because I can’t call my baby’s mother on the phone anymore. I can’t talk to my child anymore. I can’t even send them money. That’s messing me up. That’s really taking its toll on me right now.”

– Allen

Author’s note: We met Allen in a small park at New Jersey Ave and 1st St NW.

Recent Stories

photo by DCbmyers From NPS: “The National Park Service (NPS) has evaluated the potential effects on the natural, cultural and human environment related to the demolition of Robert F. Kennedy…

2450 18th Street, NW Liquor license suspension valid from 4/22 to 5/21:

1342 U Street, NW Notice of closure posted April 27th:

1717 Connecticut Ave, NW The Mediterranean Way Market opened here back in 2013 (changed their name to Verified Dupont Beer, Wine, & Gourmet Market at some point.) Thanks to Andrea…

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!

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

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

×

Subscribe to our mailing list