Street Sense Vendor Program Helps Individuals Become Independent

A graduate of the Catholic University of America, Daniel Pezzola holds a bachelor’s degree in politics. Maintaining an active presence in his community, Daniel Pezzola has volunteered with organizations such as Street Sense.

Since 2003, Street Sense has been providing individuals who are homeless with economic opportunities through its vendor program, which helps people gain economic independence and make their voices heard. The Street Sense newspaper is produced by and for individuals in Washington, DC, who are impoverished and homeless. The newspaper is the only paper in the area focused on issues relating to poverty and homelessness, and it serves as the foundation from which Street Sense vendors can earn money. 

Before starting work as vendors, individuals must complete a Street Sense New Vendor Training session, which is held at the Church of the Epiphany every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and lasts around an hour. After training is completed, all vendors operate as independent contractors, responsible for managing their owns sales and hours and making their own decisions.

Catholic University of America Homeless Food Runs

Daniel Pezzola's work experience ranges from serving as a sales associate at Macy's department store to delivering medications for Washingtonville Pharmacy in New York. While earning his bachelor's degree in politics at Catholic University of America, Daniel Pezzola became a leader for the school's food runs to serve the homeless.

Catholic University of America offers its students numerous opportunities to get involved in service and to grow in faith and charity. The school's community service and social justice programs bring students out to minister to those in need, including through its Homeless Food Runs.

Volunteers for the university take the metro into Washington, D.C., and bring water and hot meals to those living on the streets. They also visit with the people they encounter and spend time developing individual relationships which bring joy to the parties involved.

One homeless man who sells the newspaper Street Sense shared his gratitude for the group of students who come. He enjoys talking with them and always greets them with a smile.