There are many reasons to support Real Change, starting with our mission:
“Real Change creates opportunity and a voice for homeless and low-income people while taking action for economic, social, and racial justice.”
We begin by meeting people where they’re at — people who often struggle with significant barriers to more traditional employment — so they can work to improve their own lives.
Your support also gives people who don’t often get heard a voice.
Through our Homeless Speakers Bureau. Through our quality newspaper that is guided by vendor voices. And through the many leadership opportunities that we offer.
And your support means our vendors have the tools to work for change. Last year, Real Change vendors testified at 27 different city, county and state legislative opportunities.
But I can think of at least 300 more reasons to support Real Change. That’s how many vendors are active each month, making a difference in our community and for themselves.
One of those vendors was Sharon Jones.
Sharon’s love of people, her passion for justice and her vision for change impacted countless lives.
Here was a woman who had overcome addiction and poverty, found strength and resilience in her faith and, through the community she built at Real Change, shined her light into literally thousands of lives.
She was a friend and companion to many, and an inspiration to our vendors and readers. She was a powerful force at City Hall and the Statehouse. She was a visionary who hoped to help house hundreds of people like herself.
And when Sharon passed away last month, her life was publicly celebrated through a proclamation from City Hall.
“Whereas, Sharon Jones’ iconic greeting “I’m blessed and well” reflects the optimism and humility by which the city strives to approach public service and work to end suffering; and
“Whereas, the city of Seattle and its elected leaders mourn the loss of Sharon and graciously celebrate her life and the efforts to effect justice;
“Now, therefore, the Seattle City Council hereby proclaims May 14, 2019 to be honored for the life and service of Sharon L. Jones.”
Lives and stories like Sharon’s are what make me believe change is possible.
Everyday, I am awed by the grit, tenacity and resilience of our vendors.
I am humbled by the difference they make in our community, the hope that they offer and the impact they have.
And I am grateful for the depth and breadth of your support. The thousands upon thousands of readers who value and support our vendors, and who are all working in their own ways to make this a better community.
Real Change is reader-funded, and more than 60 percent of our budget comes from grassroots supporters like you.
Real Change is reader-funded, and more than 60 percent of our budget comes from grassroots supporters like you.
These are difficult times in Seattle. Our politics are polarized, and we see extreme wealth and extreme poverty side-by-side.
Real solutions to homelessness will take all of us working together, and your support of our work is one important way to make a difference.
2019 is Real Change’s 25th anniversary of empowering low-income and homeless people. 25 years of providing jobs, community, and support for our neighbors living in poverty.
When you support Real Change, you create the caring community that lifts up those who struggle to cope and survive.
Your gift of any amount tells our vendors that a whole community supports their success. Please take a moment today to help us reach our $100,000 spring fund drive goal. Every gift matters. Thank you for your support.
Tim Harris is the Founding Director Real Change and has been active as a poor people’s organizer for more than two decades. Prior to moving to Seattle in 1994, Harris founded street newspaper Spare Change in Boston while working as Executive Director of Boston Jobs with Peace.
Read the full June 5 - 11 issue.
© 2019 Real Change. All rights reserved.| Real Change is a non-profit organization advocating for economic, social and racial justice. Since 1994 our award-winning weekly newspaper has provided an immediate employment opportunity for people who are homeless and low income. Learn more about Real Change and donate now to support independent, award-winning journalism.
