Street Sense Media

Sounds From the Street: Robert Williams on Service, Respect and Art

Robert Williams says his years of service in Marine Corps helped him secure a HUD housing voucher, but not the respect and compassion that he and so many homeless veterans like him deserve. Surrounded by a society blind to the struggles of the homeless, Robert has turned to poetry and theatre to help increase awareness.

A full transcript of this interview is available here.

Sounds From the Street: Benjamin Gates on Busking, Part 2 of 2

In the last episode, we learned how Benjamin is a musician of and for the people. He performs with homeless musicians and will often donate some of his proceeds to folks who are struggling to make it on the streets. This time, Gates is going to reveal his origin story– how he found the cello, or rather how the cello found him. In addition to his music, Benjamin shares some heartfelt thoughts about the instrument’s sound and how it makes him feel while performing.

A full transcript of this interview is available here. 

Sounds From the Street: Benjamin Gates on Busking, Part 1 of 2

Benjamin Gates grew up playing the cello. Now the instrument is his livelihood. From playing gigs at the Embassy of Sweden to the occasional wedding, Gates connects with the greater community through what he calls being a “musician of the people.” That’s not some fluffy promotional nickname – he means it. Tune in to hear how and why.

Gates played live at the Street Sense 2015 “Home is Where the heART Is” Fall Gala.

A full transcript of this interview is available here.

Sounds From the Street: Angie Whitehurst Part 2 of 2 - A Life Resumed

It’s no secret that, whether you’re suffering from PTSD, depression, pain or grief — making art heals. Art therapy through music, dance and reciting poetry is gaining traction in all sorts of scientific studies. This week, in part two of our conversation with Angie Whitehurst, she shares her perspective on art, how it connects humanity and how it soothes the soul. Plus, art does not discriminate. “Everyone is an artist,” according to Whitehurst. Angie is one of the many Street Sense artists that will be performing at the October 1 Home is Where the heART Is gala event.

A full transcript of this interview is available here.

 

Sounds From the Street: Angie Whitehurst Part 1 of 2 - A Life Interrupted

Angie Whitehurst’s story explodes any and all stereotypes of what homelessness is or “looks like.” An econ and poli-sci major at Connecticut College, Whitehurst was an accomplished international consultant for years until she contracted a rare—and oftentimes fatal—strain of malaria in the early 80s. Twenty years later, she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Hamstrung by a pair of debilitating diseases, she’s had to fight to stay in the game mentally and emotionally. As she worked to recover, she turned her attention away from herself and towards caring for her mother and sister. Her life was interrupted in the most unexpected of ways. As she says, “It can happen to you. It wasn’t supposed to happen to me.”

A full transcript of this interview is available here.

Sounds From the Street: Jeffery McNeil on Self-Determination

Jeffery McNeil discusses the joy of writing, welfare (and why he’s not for it) and how his regulars helped him kick his addictions, find employment and rise up out of homelessness.

A full transcript of this interview is available here.