TOLEDO, Ohio — "Buy a paper!" It's a call that can be heard throughout Toledo from vendors for Toledo Streets Newspaper.
WTOL 11's Amanda Fay put on the iconic reflective vest and held up the paper alongside vendor Linda Kolinski. She's the top vendor for TSN. Her record is 352 papers sold in one week.
"I pay rent. Pay for my cat, " Kolinski said. "I buy food."
She also created the 'Stay Focused' comic strip included in the paper. It's become part of her sales pitch.
Kolinski is among the 80 people Toledo Streets Newspapers serves each year. Executive Director of Toledo streets Newspaper, Valerie Vetter says about half of those are active members, meaning they come back to sell more than once.
TSN offers no-barrier access to employment. Each vendor starts with 10 free papers. Then they invest a quarter per paper after that. They set their own schedule and get to keep the profits.
"So if folks have a criminal record or don't have the proper ID to go in and sit through a job interview, we will welcome them," Vetter said. "So anyone who comes through our doors is able to start working if they want.
TSN shares a building with the Toledo Homelessness Board and also connects vendors with case workers and support services. The goal is to lead them to gainful employment.
"I want people to be leaving this program in a successful, thriving space," Vetter said.
For people looking for that opportunity, orientation is held every Monday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the office on 1216 Madison Avenue, Toledo.
You can support the work of Toledo Streets Newspaper by making a donation or contributing content to the paper.