Franklin Sterling has been a Street Sense vendor for the past four months. He lost his job as an apartment complex desk clerk back in April. Born in Florida, Franklin has spent most of his life in the D.C. area. His sister and father live in California.

After graduating from high school, Franklin took humanities courses at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and studied writing with Beat poet Allen Ginsberg and meditation at the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colo.

How did you become homeless?
I lost my job.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself working, with a place to live in the D.C. area.

Favorite music?
American jazz and the Second Viennese School.

Favorite movie?
“Showgirls”

Favorite Book?
“The Harps That Once …” A collection of Sumerian poetry.