Muriel has been a Street Sense vendor since November 2005. She is a native of Washington, D.C., and grew up in the Petworth neighborhood. “My family was a ‘yours, mine and ours’ family – both my parents had been married before, so I had one stepsister and three stepbrothers,” Muriel said. “My mother was always a positive influence on my life.” Muriel spent several years working in Minneapolis as a lab technician before moving to Tucson, Ariz., to work for Dunn & Bradstreet. She returned to D.C. in the late 1980s. “And boy, oh boy, the things I saw! D.C. had changed – the people I thought I knew, I didn’t know them at all – it seemed like half of them were on drugs, and the other ones were locked up or dead.” Muriel now works in the hospitality industry, getting plenty of temporary assignments and hoping to find more of a regular work schedule. She sells Street Sense regularly. Muriel shares an apartment with Matesha Thompson, another Street Sense vendor.

How did you become homeless?

I took care of my mother for the last few years of her life. When she passed, it was hard to get back into the workforce. I went into a downward spiral, and really didn’t care about anything, so I ended up on the streets.

What advice would you give to someone who is homeless?

First of all don’t ever give up. Make up your mind that you’re not going to stay there. Just because you have one bad day, doesn’t mean they’ll all be bad. Remember that you weren’t born out there, so you don’t have to stay out there. And always try to smile, no matter what – laugh to keep from crying!

Why do you sell Street Sense?

I believe in it. And it’s an icebreaker – I meet people and talk to them on a different level than when I had a cup in my hand. You gain a modicum of respect that you didn’t have before.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Having my own business – either in transportation or a restaurant. I’d like to do good old, home-style home cooking, with good portions and moderate prices. A place you can bring the family to…

What is your favorite food?

Lasagna. I make a mean lasagna.

What is your favorite music?

Back in the day I was into heavy metal and rock. I guess now I like ballads and soft pop. And I like classical too – my favorite composer is Handel. I love the Messiah.