Tampa Epoch newspaper is helping the homeless

A street newspaper in Tampa

"This is a noteworthy time for the Tampa community." - proclaims the publisher of Tampa Epoch.

A new Newspaper is now being circulated in Tampa by the homeless community. The newspaper has a unique business arrangement with them. They get to keep the profits off the street sales and the publisher keeps the profits off the advertising. This is a legal (ethical and moral) way for homeless people to make an income, without panhandling.

The publisher of the newspaper is Bill Sharpe. I have not been able to interview him yet, but I would believe that his main concern is first amendment rights. The homeless have been marginalized by local politicians who have made it illegal for people to express their right to free speech. They said that holding a sign informing others of  your plight was a crime. It is free speech; It is protected by the Constitution.

Now, homeless (and formally homeless) can get around what Bob Buckhorn wants, and still find a way to make a living - the only way they can right now with an unemployment rate close to Great Depression levels.

The newspaper I bought today was from a vendor at the 'Occupy Tampa' sight. I felt the dollar was worth it and in twelve pages it had more content then the Tampa Tribune (which will soon be out of business). I support this effort and wish them well. The vendor seemed very happy to make a sell and I was happy for him to provide a service to me.

Street newspapers work well for the homeless and there are over 100 world-wide. They provide employment for the unemployed (something Obama has been promising for years). They provide information to the public that they will not get anywhere else. The main thing is they financially help people. Tampa Epoch is sort of a stimulus plan.

Way to go Bill Sharpe. You are one guy that is trying to make a difference by helping people that others have giving up on.