Edward Ross On March 20, 1960, Edward Ross was born in the back of a Trailways bus on 42nd Street. His story begins in the district of Brownsville in Brooklyn, N.Y. His mother was on her way to visit his grandmother when nature decided it was time for Edward to enter this world. Fortunately, he arrived quite healthy. Edward spent the first six years of his life in New York before moving to New Haven, Conn., where he attended New Haven High School. Edward excelled in school sports, particularly baseball. He was a better–than–average left fielder. He said he would have played professional baseball, but instead he had to go directly to work after school to help support his family. Edward graduated high school with honors and a 3.5 grade point average. In 1976, prompted by his father and grandfather who are retired Marines, Edward joined the U.S. Marine Corps. During his two tours, Edwards was promoted to “Marine and a Quarter” before being awarded honorable discharge. He then moved to Washington, D.C., where he earned a living as a jack of all trades in construction. He did drywalling, carpentry and bricklaying—skills he acquired while he was with an engineering unit in the service. He is also a certified cook (not a chef, Edward clarified). He got married while he was in D.C. and was doing well when all of a sudden things fell apart. His wife died of cancer and five weeks later his mother passed away. Needless to say, he fell into a depression that affected his motivation. He said each day he was looking forward to death. He couldn’t work or think clearly and fell further and further into the depths of despair. Edward checked into the Veterans Hospital to get help, but it’s unclear how much help he actually received. Edward says he aspires to become a physical education instructor for high school and middle school students. He says he loves working with kids, and if the opportunity ever arises, he will return to school to get a related degree. He is a staunch New York Yankees fan. How did you become homeless? I became extremely depressed and distraught after the death of my wife and mother. For the life of me, I could not get myself together to do anything. I am a little better now. Why do you sell Street Sense? I am homeless, and it provides me the opportunity to earn some money without the headaches of a traditional employer. The money goes directly to help the homeless and poor, which is a blessing in itself. I feel that I am making a contribution to informing the public about the plight of the homeless and poor. What is your favorite book? I have two: “Man on Fire,” by A.J. Quinnell, which is completely unlike the movie, and “The Unseen Hand,” by A. Ralph Epperson. What is your favorite movie? “Braveheart,” starring Mel Gibson What is your favorite music? Anything by Teena Marie and Sade Adu What is your favorite food? Boneless chicken breast with hollandaise sauce, wild rice and asparagus with white cheese sauce