In Oklahoma City, the number of homeless individuals continues to rise and while there are numerous factors as to why they are homeless, finding and securing a job is perhaps one of the most influential factors.
Ranya O'Connor Forgotson, director of The Curbside Chronicle, decided to tackle this problem.
"It really bothered my husband and me when we would drive around Oklahoma City and we saw people panhandling," said Forgotson. "It did not bother us that those people existed and that they were doing that. It bothered us that that is what they felt like they needed to do because of their situation."
Forgotson is an alumnus of the University of Oklahoma. Her husband, Whitley O'Connor, is an alumnus of Vanderbilt University and it was during his time there that the idea of The Curbside Chronicle was born.
"Nashville has one of the largest street papers in the United States," said Forgotson. "We decided we wanted to bring that concept to Oklahoma City."
A street paper is a type of paper that employs those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
"We exist not only to employ those who sell our magazine but to help amplify their voices," said Forgotson. "We publish articles that are specifically written by those experiencing homelessness and about their situation."
These situations can be an array of issues involved with homelessness: mental health problems, past incarcerations and lack of access to proper hygiene.
"There are lots of barriers that the individuals we are working with face that make it difficult for them to get a traditional job," said Forgotson. "When we found out about street papers, we saw it as a much more dignified way for individuals to earn an income."
The Curbside Chronicle has allowed for homeless individuals to break these barriers and start to earn an income. In fact, Gary is one such individual.
"I was homeless until I started selling Curbside Chronicle," said Gary. "Now I am buying a house."
Gary is one of many vendors who transitioned out of homelessness and into housing. While the publication has a financial impact on these individuals, there is also a social impact.
When asked about his favorite part of the Chronicle, Kevin, a vendor, said that it is "being able to get out in the community and work with people."
The Curbside Chronicle has allowed for a conversation to start within the community. There are thousands of readers who are buying an issue of the magazine each month.
"We have a circulation of about 8,000 every month," said Forgotson. "That is 8,000 individuals who are having an interaction with someone experiencing homelessness that normally would not happen."
These conversations allow for those who are not homeless to learn about the struggles a homeless person might be facing. The Curbside Chronicle brings together people from different walks of life in order to combat homelessness.
"It's not normal to have ongoing conversations and relationships," said Forgotson. "We provide an opportunity for people of different walks of life to interact and feel safe and comfortable doing so."
