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.”