With hundreds of five star restaurants, years of fundamental American history, ceaseless city blocks, and an infinite amount of caring people, what else could be missing in Philadelphia? Well, here’s something to think about: thousands of people without homes, money, or attention are living in this so-called City of Brotherly Love.

This problem may seem distant and impossible to solve from the vantage point of the Main Line. However, both citygoers and suburbanites can help change the lives of homeless people through the simple purchase of a newspaper. Many men and women living without homes are publishing and selling newspapers called One Step Away. Referring to everyone being one step away from homelessness? When someone purchases an edition of One Step Away, the distributor receives three-quarters of the profit, helping him or her to get back on his or her feet.

Anyone can purchase an edition of One Step Away for just $1.00. Twenty-five cents out of this dollar go towards the publication of the paper, but seventy-five cents go right into the pockets of the distributors. The purchase of these papers, which can take place on many Philly street corners, can break the thin line drawn between street life and a home, or make the difference between an empty stomach and a full one. Customers can see the gratitude in the distributor’s eyes because they are truly making a difference in his or her life, allowing him or her to become more independent.

Writer-vendors spend hours a week trying to come up with the perfect article to show the true life of a homeless person. They draw on experiences and on pure, sharp emotions to write a poem, a paragraph, or a story that can bring tears to your eyes.

The main goal of the creators of One Step Away is to alter the public’s stereotypes about the homeless and then create a new kind of impression. One writer, Keith Barbour, published an article called “Homelessness”. His poignant piece allows the reader to empathize with a small part of the life he leads. “Abandoned houses, abandoned cars, drinking water out of dirty jars, homelessness can take you this far.” The first sentence from Barbour’s article made one feel the pain, the hurt, and the awful times that he is undergoing.

As well as being a way to change false stereotypes in the readers, this newspaper is a way for the writers to gain security and to feel like they are doing something important and life changing. The work raises their self-esteem and creates a sense of purpose in their lives, while the money and psychological effects make them more self-reliant. Because of this, rising from homelessness becomes less challenging.

Though it may seem hard for a person with a home to relate to someone they see sitting on the street, One Step Away works to decrease the distance between these two people who really aren’t that different and to give the homeless person a road to success. With one dollar, one person can buy one newspaper that will change another person’s life.