MEMPHIS STREET NEWSPAPER ORGANIZATION

Modeled after successful street papers in major cities around the world such as Nashville, New York, and Washington D.C., The Bridge, founded by co-directors James Ekenstedt, Evan Katz, Caroline Ponseti, and Shiven Samant, aims to raise awareness around issues of homelessness while providing a sustainable source of income to individuals with a personal experience of homelessness. The professionally printed sixteen-page paper features artwork and content written largely by people with experiences... of homelessness. Additional content is provided by a writing team of Rhodes students who have a commitment to service, led by community member Nathan Bishop and managed by Rhodes junior Caroline Ponseti. Unlike the traditional model of a street paper, which is run by a full-time staff, The Bridge is entirely student directed. The paper’s vendors are those who are homeless or who have been homeless and who are acting as independent contractors by purchasing the paper for a quarter each and then selling them to the larger community for one dollar each. Vendors receive training on how to sell the papers and get to keep 100 percent of the profit. Certified vendors can be identified by badges around their necks with the insignia of The Bridge.More