Toledo Joins the Street Paper Movement

Next week, the American street paper movement becomes one paper stronger. Toledo, Ohio will join the ranks of cities publishing street papers when the nation's 26th newspaper, Toledo Streets, is published on October 15th.

Toledo Streets is not your ordinary newspaper, nor is it your typical social service provider. I have written before about the value of the street paper movement, including the importance of being a vendor to those experiencing homelessness and the growing role of this movement during the sour economy. Like other papers in the street paper movement, Toledo Streets will serve two unique but equally-important functions.

First, a street paper aims to serve as a reliable, grassroots news source for folks in Toledo. Indeed, street papers often provide a unique perspective of poverty and homelessness that often cannot be found in any other type of traditional media. These days, with a great deal of street paper content re-appearing online, it's refreshing to read the first-hand, gritty stories issues like addiction, domestic abuse, and life on the streets from those who have experienced it without the heavy editing you often find in traditional media outlets.

Second, a street paper is a mobility tool for those experiencing deep poverty or homelessness. Vendors have the opportunity to work and earn money. Street papers often include incentives for increasing sales consistent performance. In addition - and perhaps more important - a street paper provides an opportunity for interaction with people. This is critical for people who often begin to feel invisible while in plain view.

Best wishes to founder Amanda Moore and the rest of the team at Toledo Streets as you launch this important initiative in your community. We're all rooting for you.

Image from jk5854's public Flickr photo stream.