Kenneth came to Street Sense about 3 years ago to work, write, and support the homeless. A born Washingtonian, he grew up in a small Ohio town and is a proud graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School. When he returned to DC in 2002 he moved into his current home, a community residence facility.  Kenneth has two mental illnesses, bipolar disorder and PTSD, so doctors deemed him unfit to live independently. He also spends time volunteering for the Pay It Forward Project in D.C.  Kenneth hopes to one day live independently and publish a book of his Street Sense articles.

Why do you sell Street Sense?
I was looking for a job to help make some money and to help homeless people to be self-sufficient.  I also like being my own boss.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully living independently in my own apartment.  If the people at the paper still want me to, I will be working as a vendor and writing articles for the paper because I really love Street Sense and what it stands for.

What is your favorite music?
Classic rock from 50s, 60s, and early 70s.  One of my favorite groups is the Four Seasons.

What is your favorite food?
Pepperoni, sausage, and double cheese pizza, and barbeque spare ribs.

What is your favorite movie?
Science Fiction.  I also fell in love with movies like The Soloist and The Blind Side where they talk about homelessness and how they overcame the situation.  I really like The Blind Side, not just because Sandra Bullock won an Oscar.  It surprised me how the woman, out of the kindness of her heart, raised a now famous football player.

Who is your favorite author?
Myself because since I’ve had work published in the paper I am an author. If it’s ok with the paper, in about 6 years I would like to have all of my stories together so I can write a book. I’m not trying to be a Pulitzer Prize winning author.  I’ve talked to all of my customers and they really enjoy my writings and wish I’d write more.  I write some serious articles but mainly human-interest stories.

Do you have a message you would like to share?
I just wish the readers will help the paper more and donate to their favorite non-profit organizations if they can.