Monique Hagler Rhodes College - The Memphis Street Newspaper Organization
The Organization
Our Staff
Our Vendors Community Impact
Vendor Demographics
Founded by Rhodes College sophomores in March 2013, The Bridge is proud to be the only student-run
streetpaper in the world.
From Executive Director to Financial Accountant, all staff positions in The Bridge are held by student volun-
teers from colleges in the Memphis area.
Operating as a legitimate non-profit organization, The Bridge provides real-world, executive-level experience
for college students. By doing so, The Bridge is also able to engage high-talent young professionals with the
Memphis community at large.
Individuals that have experience with homelessness at-tend our weekly training session to become certified ven-dors. After a brief interview, they learn the skills needed
to sell The Bridge.
Each new vendor then receives an ID badge and 20 free papers that they may sell on the streets and at local events
for only $1. Additional papers are purchased for $0.25 apiece. Vendors who spend certain amounts on papers receive incentives such as Bridge vests and all-day bus
passes.
Average age: 43 years old
Area in Memphis where Most Vendors Spend Time: Downtown
Longest Period of Time Homeless (average):39.5 months
Most Common Religious Affiliation:Christian
Highest Level of Education Received (mode):Highschool Diploma
The Bridge aims to “bridge the gap” between homeless and sheltered by giving a voice and sustainable income
to the homeless community.
The Bridge is the only streetpaper in Memphis, TN. This monthly newspaper features stories, articles and art-work by people that have experiences with homeless-
ness. Staff writers supplement this content with articles related to issues of homelessness and other Memphis-
based pieces.
Streetpapers are unique in that they provide the homeless with a resource for a reliable income while also promot-
ing self-growth in the individual. Through the sales of The Bridge, vendors acquire professional skills that carry over
into other forms of employment.
By reinvesting in the paper, the vendors reinvest in them-selves and in their community. Selling a streetpaper breaks down the social barriers between the homeless and shel-
tered through face-to-face interaction.
The best people don’t have the best of everything, They just make the best of everything they have. Which brings to “mind”, a certain paper I know That’s published a lot of stories, changed a lot of livesIncluding mine...
A staff that’s “outstanding” but never “demanding”. Such devotion can be labeled as “divine”.
So only as much as you dream can you be, Only as deep as you look can you see, Only as far as you seek can you go, Only as high as you reach can you grow.
- Theddy Wilkes Writer and Friend
A Year to Remember: A Dedication to The Bridge on Its 1st Birthday
Total Number of Vendors Certified: >250 vendors
Total Amount of Money Earned by Vendors:over $35,000 (and counting!)
Total Amount Earned by Homeless Writers:> $3,000
Total Amount of All-Day Bus Passes Received: >150 passes
Average Income of Top Vendors: upwards of $800/month
(during Spring/Fall season)
Vendor Statistics *
* Last revised: July 30, 2014
