Vending for Change
Destiny S. by Ella Jennings
Destiny is a typical youth. He enjoys video games, music, art, and Star Wars. Under an upbeat and energetic exterior lies a deep commitment to create change in our community. Destiny leads the local Youth Action Board (YAB) which is part of a national effort to remediate and eventually eliminate homelessness for those 18 to 24 years of age. Youth Action Boards across the country are being created by HUD to give a voice to young persons who are currently or have experienced homelessness. The members are given training in leadership and activism. They are taught how the current system works so they can affect meaningful change. Destiny is passionate about uplifting youth voices and combatting prejudices that adults may carry towards youth.
Adultism is a term that describes the practice of silencing young voices in favor of established practices. “It is important to have the youth voice, because we don’t have a voice in general. Adults silence us,” he said. To be acknowledged and sought out for advice gives dignity to a group that is seldom consulted. In many cases, youth are those hardest hit by the struggles that all unsheltered experience. YABs provide a platform for their unique perspectives and new ideas.
Destiny knows all too well that struggle. “I was homeless at the age of 18. I had no resources at all. No help, no nothing. I didn’t know where to go,” he said. Wheeling has many resources for the unsheltered community as a whole. But, there are still many gaps. “As far as youth itself, there’s nothing,” he said. Imagine you are alone surrounded by older people that you are not likely to trust. Adults who disregard the things you say and the questions you ask. How likely are you going to get the help you need? Most unsheltered youths have reason to distrust those older than they are. Afterall, youth most often become homeless because their elders create the circumstances of their unsheltered predicament. “It could be you came out of the closet to your parents and they threw you away. Or you could be in the foster care system and turn 18 and the state says ‘fend for yourself,’” Destiny explained. There is also the all too common occurrence of physical, mental and/or sexual abuse of the young that leads to distrust. Destiny’s work with the local YAB will help rebuild this trust between youth and adults and create a space for discussion that includes all members of the community.
The Greater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless was awarded the task of creating a YAB for the five counties of the Northern Panhandle. Destiny and four others have begun training and discussing how to approach the problem of youth homelessness locally. They are looking for more youth to join the board. You can find out more about YABs by calling the Greater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless at 304-232-6105. When asked why he became a vendor for the Mustard Seed Mountain newspaper, Destiny replied, “Because you get to meet new people and it’s a great experience. I have trouble socializing in general. It helps me be more social. There are a lot of nice people out there. They like our newspaper.”
Destiny can usually be found selling the paper by a bus stop, either outside the Public Market or by the Capitol Theater. “I’m always on the bus and if I don’t have papers with me, I’ll take down your contact information and deliver a paper when I get more,” he said. On the back page of this paper is an example of Destiny’s art. “I’ve been an artist since I was a kid. I’ve progressively gotten a little bit better with my lettering.” The message is clear–Good Vibes Only! “I’ve experienced a lot of negative things in the past. My art is focused on the positive.”