| When
I first called Michael Garcia, he wasn’t feeling
too well— in fact, he was as sick as a dog. When
I begged him, told him my deadline was the next day, he
was nice enough to take the time to answer questions and
provide thoughtful answers. His easy-going, accommodating
attitude no doubt has something to do with being this
week’s vendor of the week.
Says Michael, “I’m not a great salesman,
but I’m consistent.”
Michael was born and partly raised in Seattle, also
spending some of his youth in Eastern Washington and
the Olympic Peninsula. During his adult life, he’s
also spent time in New York, Oregon, and the South.
A few years ago, Michael spent a short time in prison
for a petty narcotics charge. When he got out, he found
that his record — non-violent though it was —
was an obstacle in the way of long-term employment.
A friend and former Real Change vendor introduced him
to the paper in 2000. Nowadays, you can find him selling
papers at the corner of Marion St. and First Ave.
With Real Change, Michael found acceptance and stability
in his life. Perhaps, most importantly, says Michael,
is that Real Change gave him a purpose.
“By buying and reading [Real Change],”
says Michael, “you’re making a difference
to the homeless in general, but specifically in my life.
So, thanks.”
Who’s the special person who offers you
Real Change? Nominate them for Vendor of the Week:
editor@realchangenews.org
|
