Every Monday at 10am, our active vendors are asked to show up for a meeting at Speak Up. Often they bring friends to learn more about selling the magazine and to sign up. Sometimes vendor mentors are present to connect with vendors and help them do their jobs. These meetings are a highlight for all. [...]
Busy artist does not let being without a home define him
I met Luis Alvarez at the Urban Ministry Center's Art Auction this past October. He was dressed in a slick black suit and had spoken softly, but very articulately. He didn't have any of his work displayed that night, but he and I did have an enjoyable conversation about the importance of feng shui [...]
Introducing Speak Up magazine… racks!
The street magazine model has traditionally relied on hand-to-hand street sales by homeless vendors for distribution. To supplement this sales method, we're introducing countertop magazine racks.
Speak Up Christmas Wish List
Are you in a giving spirit this Christmas season? Check out our "wish list" of practical items.
Homeless Reads, Week of December 9th
What did you read this week? Take a moment and check out these local stories related to homelessness and needy people.
Defining homelessness — A deceptively easy task
During my years of outreach in the Queen City, I've come to believe there's danger that once we call someone "homeless" we'll think we know all about them. The problem with saying "homeless" is that the label can too quickly become the only defining factor in how we see them–and all our stereotypes come to [...]
A Morning of Distributing Magazine Racks
Armed with a stack of magazines, Loretta was ready to tackle the magazine rack market. Hand-built out of wood, each rack holds around a dozen magazines. Buyers can deposit money into a slot for vendors to pick up later. Local businesses agree to host each rack as part of participating in the community. Loretta had [...]
Volunteers Needed: Vendor Mentors
Currently Speak Up has over 20 homeless vendors who've been trained and equipped to sell the magazine. As a result, one of our–and their–biggest volunteer needs is for vendor mentors. As a vendor mentor, you'll give 3 – 4 hours of your time each week to encouraging and supporting vendors while they sell the magazine.
Homeless Reads, Week of December 2nd
What's taking your attention? Take a few minutes and read through these recent homeless-related stories from Charlotte and nearby.
Emergency Shelters: Change is Needed
According to North Carolina point-in-time statistics, on any given night there are approximately 2800 homeless individuals residing in the Queen City. Of that number, around three hundred sleep outside on the street, in a tent, or under an overpass.
Learn About Speak Up
