STREETVIBES NEWSPAPER
Streetvibes is an alternative newspaper and
part of the international street newspaper movement.
Focusing on homelessness and social justice issues,
Streetvibes reports the often-invisible story of poverty
in our community. Streetvibes is also proud to include
creative writing, poetry, articles, photography and
interviews written by homeless and formerly homeless
individuals. As a progressive news source Streetvibes
serves an educational function, and also provides a forum
for dialogue for those often left unseen and unheard.
STREETVIBES PROGRAM
Streetvibes vendors buy the paper for 25 cents per copy
and sell if for a one-dollar donation. They keep the
profit that they have earned. This program has helped
hundreds of people find and maintain housing. Streetvibes
targets homeless and formerly homeless individuals who
require supplemental income to become vendors. Becoming a
Streetvibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other
low-income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet.
It's a hand up for people who are often in a place of
getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. Many work
their way into writing and more lucrative employment as
this provides reliable work, and a source of income for
these vendors helping them to find stability. Streetvibes
Vendors are given an orientation and sign a code of
conduct before being given a Streetvibes Vendor Badge. Our
vendors put a face on "the homeless" of Cincinnati and
form lasting friendships with their customers.
STREETVIBES BLOG
Check out the new
Streetvibes blog for all the latest on homelessness,
poverty, and other social justice issues in the Greater
Cincinnati area
STREETVIBES ARCHIVE
Available using the navigation at the top of the page.
VENDOR BADGE
Always look for the Streetvibes badge!
Each Streetvibes vendor is issued a badge during
the vendor orientation. Vendors must wear their
badge at all times while selling the paper. You
should never purchase papers from vendors who
are not wearing a badge.
A common scam is the Streetvibes vendor impersonator.
These imposters will ask you to buy a copy of
Streetvibes, and will show you a paper that is
folded in such a way that you cannot see the cover.
Be careful! You might be purchasing a paper that
is free to the public.
VENDOR PROGRAM CODE OF CONDUCT
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- Each vendor must adhere to the Vendor Code of
Conduct. Every vendor reads and signs the Code
upon joining the program.
1. Streetvibes will be distributed for one dollar ($1). I agree
not to ask for more than a dollar or solicit
donations for Streetvibes by any other
means. If a customer donates more than $1 for a
paper, I am allowed to keep the donation.
2. I will only purchase papers from the Greater
Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH).
Each paper can be purchased for a cost of 25
cents. I will always show my badge when buying
papers and if I do not have my badge I cannot buy
papers.
3. I will never buy papers from and/or sell papers
to other vendors.
4. I agree to treat all others, customers, staff,
and other vendors respectfully. I will not use
abusive language or force someone to buy a paper.
I will not give a hard sell or be aggressive. I
will not continue to ask someone if they want a Streetvibes after they have verbally or
non-verbally said no and I will not make someone
feel threatened.
5. I agree to stay off private property when
selling Streetvibes. I will not sell Streetvibes door to door.
6. I understand that I am not an employee of Streetvibes or GCCH but a contracted worker
responsible for my own well-being and income.
7. I agree not to sell additional goods or
products when selling Streetvibes.
8. I will not sell Streetvibes or purchase Streetvibes under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.
9. There are no territories among vendors. I will
respect the space of other vendors, particularly
the space of vendors who have been at a spot
longer.
10. I understand that my badge is the property of Streetvibes and I will not deface it. I
will present my badge when purchasing papers and
display my badge when selling papers. If I lose
my badge I will pay three dollars ($3) for a new
one. If my badge becomes ruined because of
weather or use, I will get a new badge for one
dollar ($1).
11. I understand that Streetvibes strives
to be a paper that covers homelessness and poverty
issues while providing a source of income for the
homeless. I will try to help in this effort and
spread the word.
12. I will not deceive the public by saying that I
am collecting for a nonprofit charity or that I am
collecting for the "homeless" in general. I will
be in honest in stating that all the profits from
the sale of Streetvibes go to the vendor.
I will not use the word "donation."
13. There are special rules for selling at Findlay
Market. Only two vendors may sell at Findlay
Market at a time. Other rules as established by Streetvibes and Findlay Market.
14. I will attend monthly meetings. Monthly
meetings will occur on the first weekday of the
month. The monthâs paper will be released at this
meeting. Anyone who cannot make the meeting must
meet with Andy, the Education Coordinator, before
selling Streetvibes for that month. Ten
papers will be given to those who attend the
meeting.
15. It is the responsibility of each vendor to
police fellow vendors or former vendors. I will
report violators of the rules to GCCH. The value
of the paper depends on keeping it credible.
16. I understand that any infraction of the above
mentioned rules will result in suspension of my
privilege to sell Streetvibes and possible
termination from the program. Badges and Streetvibes papers are property of GCCH and
must be surrendered upon demand.
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