Not sure if you’ve ever been to Knoxville, TN. But there, on Gay Street, sits old Alfonso, selling his “homeless” newspapers.

It was cold the other day, but most of us wrapped up, stayed inside, except when we ran our errands. Alfonso had to work outside the whole day. I can imagine him waking up early (why sleep?), checking the weather (using radio technology), putting on his layers, and packing enough cigarettes to keep him warm.

here’s the paper: https://www.facebook.com/knoxvilleamplifier/

says:

Knoxville’s Homeless Community has one venue to speak through, and it’s The Amplifier. Keep our volunteer staff and our vendors working… please consider giving. $300 will publish our next issue. No one profits from this Streetpaper except our vendors. $300 to print generates a minimum of $2,000 into the hands of our homeless vendors.

http://www.etnpeaceandjustice.org/become-a-member.html

So, apparently, Alfonso profits from his sale of newspapers.

There’s a nice guy at The Local Market who helps Alfonso out with large cups of coffee, with lots of cream and sugar, for no charge. Thanks to you, Bro!

But then some affluent spawn of gentrification had nothing better to do that carelessly kick Alfonso’s coffee across the sidewalk, as he hurried by, on his way to suck from the corporate teat. Mad Alfonso sad.

So we hooked him up with a better cup of coffee, and a $20.