Author: Mike Thistle
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Homelessness is not Contagious
On face value, the photo accompanying this article is very funny. Unfortunately, many people are under the impression that homeless people are dangerous, mentally disabled, alcoholic or drug addicted. Yes, that can happen over time, but it doesn’t always happen at the onset of homelessness. Let’s get this issue of homelessness straight. First, homelessness is…
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Veterans’ Services Office in Cambridge Hosts 1st Annual Veterans’ Appreciation Day
Cambridge Veterans’ Services office hosted its first annual Veterans’ Appreciation Day event on Nov. 11. The events represents an important focus on veterans and their families, was open to the public and incorporated many different types of activities. The director, Neil MacInnes Barker, created the unique event with his amazing staff members, Jeremy Haladorff and…
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Why I Sell Spare Change News!
My name is Michael Thistle and I’ve been a Spare Change News vendor since 2007. I’m currently not homeless, but I use to be on and off for many years. I’m an alcoholic who’s been in recovery for 11 years now. Alcoholism took me to many places in my life that I honestly never thought…
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Understanding Homelessness: What It Is and Isn’t
Homelessness happens when people do not have safe and secure places to live. While this definition may sound quite simple, the causes of homelessness are often complicated and varied. For example, some causes include a house fire, economic strife, the loss of a job, a medical emergency, rising rents, a death in the family, addiction,…
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Under the Bridge: The Criminalization of the Homeless
I had the wonderful opportunity to see a screening of the documentary “Under the Bridge: The Criminalization of Homelessness” at Cambridge City Hall. The evening was made possible by Vice Mayor Marc McGovern, who brought together an audience of local social services providers who work day-in and day-out on issues touching the homeless of Cambridge.…
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Vending from Coast to Coast: An Interview with Marlon Crump
My name is Mike, and I’ve been a Spare Change News vendor at Whole Foods Market on Prospect Street in Central Square, Cambridge for over six years. This past October, I visited a friend in Portland, Oregon. One day, while in downtown Portland, I came out of a 7 Eleven Store and saw a blue-suited…