Curbside Chronicle

I remember the first Curbside Chronicle I purchased. It was March of 2014 at the McDonalds on 23rd. I was impressed with the magazine and even more touched by the vision. For many of us, the Curbside, and likely a particular vendor, has become a regular part of our lives. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Curbside Chronicle suspended all street-side sales in the interest of public health and the safety of the vendors. That means the vendors in green aprons we've all come to know and love aren't able to sell the magazine throughout Oklahoma City until this crisis is over.

People experiencing homelessness are confronted with unique challenges. Often, Curbside vendors face chronic health issues and lack access to sinks for hand washing. Many of them can't just hunker down and work from home. For most vendors, magazine sales are their only source of income. They need our help to bridge the gap in their lost income. All donations will go directly to the Curbside's COVID-19 Emergency Vendor Fund, providing financial assistance to vendors and ensuring that they are able to continue paying for basic necessities like food and medications.

I was talking to Whitley and Ranya O’Conner, the Curbside founders, and found out that this past couple of days Curbside case managers assisted 10 vendors with rent, 3 with medications, 7 with phone bills, and 12 with utilities. That was based off of their first round of vendor applications for assistance. They are also supplying over 50 vendors with basic hygiene and food boxes every week, as well as another 30 vendors with 30-day bus passes for their transportation needs. All funds raised will go directly to the Curbside Emergency Relief Fund the allow the case managers to continue to provide these necessities to vendors.

Curbside was built on a foundation of face-to-face interactions. Curbside vendors chip away at social barriers, stereotypes and stigmas one magazine, one customer relationship at a time. Curbside’s core mission is to foster relationships between their vendors and customers, which is what makes this time so difficult for the organization. This community has grown to love our vendors, which is why it's so important that we step up to show our support and compassion during this incredibly difficult time.

Our community will never be stronger than our most vulnerable neighbors and friends. Please help this vital community program and the vendors that make it possible.