Numerous individuals fail to realize the impact newspapers have on the lives of people, especially those living in public housing. Many people feel that public housing is a place for "ghetto" people who only sell drugs, get on welfare, and have babies.
As a potential social worker and current intern at Resident Services (Ray Warren Homes), I must commend the News & Record and UNCG for taking the initiative to recognize that the people of public housing do actually read. Many tenants of public housing would love to have a daily newspaper, but they may not have the money to pay for it. This program (in which the News & Record provides 240 newspapers a day to residents and UNCG students and faculty meet with residents for discussions) has been very beneficial to the tenants of this community. Not only do the individuals receive free newspapers, the tenants can read about job opportunities.
Providing free newspapers to every tenant in public housing is virtually impossible, but recognizing that these tenants are competent is what really matters.
William Moore
Greensboro
Comments (3)
Free?
Might be free to them, but somebody picks up the cost. I'm guessing part from newspaper revenues, and part from state tax revenues. When can I expect my free paper?
Posted by another bigmouth | April 12, 2005 9:08 AM
When I was running for public office, I had to maximize my meager funds any way possible. I did this by doing a lot of door-to-door campaigning. Since I was running for a city-wide position, I felt compelled to move out of my familiar circles and knock on some doors in neighborhoods I knew little about. One was Ray Warren homes.
I must admit, my foray was not without trepidation. I held stereotypes and preconceptions about public housing and its residents that made me nervous. I was so wrong. I found the residents of Ray Warren Homes to be just as friendly and just as interested as those in any other neighborhood I visited -- more so even than some of the "gated" communities. I ended up knocking on every door in the complex over a two-day period and, although I lost the election, the experience of washing away my preconceptions was one of the personal highlights of my campaign. I'll never forget the people who invited me into their homes, offered me tea and took their time to talk to me about their views.
For all the excitement about grassroots journalism on the 'Net, we cannot forget that there are multitudes of people who are not plugged in to the blogosphere. For the N&R and UNCG to try to make sure that all of our community is informed and involved is a noble thing. Kudos!
Posted by Roch101 | April 12, 2005 10:33 AM
I know exactly what you mean, Roch. As a college student, I lived in areas that a lot of people would be afraid to go to. Most of my neighbors were black or another minority. And most of them were the nicest, friendliest neighbors I've ever had. And I knew and talked to almost all of them. People are people no matter where you go. Some don't have the opportunities that others have, but still have the same mental abilities and humanity. I love when I see misconceptions erased.
Posted by mr t | April 12, 2005 11:40 AM