Corey Bridges, 34, is from Baltimore and spent most of his life there. He grew up the oldest of two half-sisters and two half-brothers. While in Baltimore he held a number of jobs including security officer and warehouse laborer. He also supervised other security officers for some time. Corey came to D.C. in October 2006 and has been a vendor for Street Sense since then. He now lives at New York Avenue Shelter and is working towards going back to school and getting his own place.

How did you become homeless?

I have been homeless on and off since 1995. That was after my grandfather died. I moved in with him after my mother died. In October, my apartment in Baltimore kept flooding, so I decided to move out and headed to D.C. for a change of scenery.

Why do you sell Street Sense?

I joined Street Sense after seeing other people in D.C. selling it. My favorite part is meeting different people and speaking to others about the paper.

What advice would you give someone who is homeless?

Don’t give up and try harder for yourself.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I hope to see myself in a nice new home with a college education. I am already planning to take some college courses.

Favorite music?

I’m into everything except country.

Favorite movie?

I don’t really have a favorite movie. If it’s good, I really get into it.

Favorite food?

Lasagna.

Favorite book?

I’m really into science fiction