Conversations with Street People
by Dennis Cardiff
Telling TheStories of Those Too Often Ignored
Dennis Cardiff has been involved with street people since 2010, when he began to reach out, on his own, to some of the people without homes who he encountered in his daily life. In his new book, he documents conversations he’s had with them over the past 4 years and, in the process, gives those who are often robbed of their humanity a human face. Written in diary form by month, and including some of Cardiff’s own poetry, the author chronicles the lives of people who are often ignored, feared or reviled. About this project, Cardiff says,
“Writing about the homeless and helping the homeless, has given my life a purpose that it didn’t have before. Documenting their stories will, I hope, introduce them to the public in a non-threatening way. Some panhandlers look intimidating, but that disappears when one sees them laugh.”
All proceeds from the book are donated to Ottawa Inner City Ministries. Donations may be made directly by visiting: 
Connect With the Author
Website // Facebook // Publisher Twitter Page // Publisher
From Reader Reviews on Amazon.com
Conversations with Street People
Authored by Dennis Cardiff
Edited by Karen Hamilton Silvestri
Writing about the homeless and helping the homeless, has given my life a purpose that it didn’t have before. Documenting their stories will, I hope, introduce them to the public in a non-threatening way. Some panhandlers look intimidating, but that disappears when one sees them laugh.
A typical day for me involves taking the bus and walking two blocks to work. I pass Joy’s spot every day. I usually sit and talk with her for twenty to thirty minutes. Chester and Hippo may drop by to chat.
Most afternoons, depending on weather, I walk two blocks to the park where the group of panhandlers varies in size from two to twenty or more. They don’t panhandle at the park. Like a soap opera, every day is different; some scenarios will carry over a few days or weeks. People will disappear for weeks or months due illness, rehab programs or incarceration.
When I met Joy I was going through an emotional crisis. Meeting her and her friends – worrying about them and whether or not they would be able to eat and find a place to sleep – took my mind off my problems, that then, seemed insignificant. It was – is – truly a life changing experience.
- Publication Date: Jun 05 2014
- ISBN/EAN13: 0989931897 / 9780989931892
- Page Count: 356
- Binding Type: US Trade Paper
- Trim Size: 6″ x 9″
- Language: English
- Color: Black and White
- Related Categories: Biography & Autobiography / People with Disabilities
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Dennis Cardiff 
That’s amazing, that you wrote a book about conversations with homeless people. I often talk to them when I am in the states. They have a lot to tell and make us see the world from a different perspective.
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I find it amazing as well. The words are theirs, I was merely the transcriber of those words into print. I have been welcomed into a street family of amazing heroes and survivors of lifelong abuse. They are not in good health; life expectancy is short on the street, as attested by the many funerals I have attended. Street people seldom attend funerals; it’s considered bad luck, but crowds of others: politicians, social workers, office workers and other ‘regulars’ are there to express their sympathy. It truly is amazing.
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What you tell is truly amazing. Very big insights and eye opening.
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Reblogged this on Busy Mind Thinking and commented:
Of all the re-blogs I have ever done, this one carries great meaning to me. Dennis is gifting insight on what it is to be homeless and the proceeds of this book are intended to help these same folks; I am humbled and honored to re-blog. it is a blessing to reach out to brothers and sisters that we simply haven’t met yet…we are all connected.
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Please let me know if I may re-blog this on your behalf? Blessings for the work you do in caring for humanity and raising awareness for what life is for an individual living in circumstances that we cannot ignore but must help to change; these are our brothers and sisters that we simply haven’t met. Blesssings
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Please, reblog this post. Every sale of every book will go directly to buy meals, bus tickets and clothing for the homeless forced to beg on the street. They aren’t there by choice, but by circumstances that many of us have never had to face, nor will ever understand. Please help spread the stories of these amazing survivors of the street. They are my heroes. Blessings ~ Dennis
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Dennis, this is a gift to me tonight, allowing me to re-blog this post. I am deeply humbled and honored. Thank you. For everything that you do, thank you. I believe I know very well the varying circumstances, and it is through you and what you’re doing, understanding will be nurtured.
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My own experience with being homeless changed my world view immeasurably, and really opened my heart to the plight of others less fortunate. I look forward to reading your book.
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I hope you enjoy reading my book. If you do please leave a review on Amazon. I welcome the purchase, all the proceeds go directly to those forced onto the street. The money you spend will buy meals for people who, otherwise, may not eat that day.
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I’d just like to say that I really admire the whole concept of giving the homeless a voice, and the fact that you’re so passionate about it.
What a wonderful thing to do, and I’m sure you pluck out some great, interesting stories from it, too.
Keep it up, i’m sure they appreciate it more than they could ever express! It’s encouraged me to reach out to people now, and I’ll have to buy the book one of these days.
Your poems are good, too
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Thank you so much. Helping people on the street is something that gives me great pleasure and has brought me many good friends. I hope you will buy the book, not for my sake, but for the meals it will buy for people forced onto the street. It broke my heart seeing a cheeseburger divided four ways — something that most of us never experience.
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Reblogged this on Felicia's Mag.
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Congratulations Dennis. I had no idea that you were moving to this point. I have had my graphics published, as an editor to another author, but none of my writings.
Congratulations.
God bless,
Kelly J.
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It was a surprise to me as well. I think that because I have offered all my proceeds to help the homeless that editors, publishers and other authors have donated their valuable skills and time to produce and promote my book, for which I am very thankful.
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Certainly so. I think often of my homeless years and often wonder how I actually came through it in one piece. There is no handbook, none. You are thrown to the lions without any paddle. One does not “work up to” being homeless. It’s instantaneous. There is no prep time.
Again, congratulations.
I wish you the best,
Kelly J.
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How wonderful! From time to time I’ve been blessed to go into the city and serve the homeless. We have had some amazing conversations and interactions that I will never forget. I look forward to buying your book when I have the money. If only more of us could see the value and dignity in each life whether we have a home or not.
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I enjoyed your post Trial by Fire (Part 1). I hate to be asked to do things. I always have things (important things) that want to take precedence over the wishes of others.
I love the time I spend with homeless and street people. They are the simplicity at its most basic. I think of them as treasures, diamonds in the rough, not appreciated, or even noticed — just kicked down the road. Starting midnight Friday, February 27 through to midnight March 1, my book will be available for download at 99 cents. On Amazon.ca it is a #1 best seller under the subject of poverty.
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Thanks Dennis! I’m sorry I didn’t see your message earlier. I would have loved to order your book. I hope to someday in the near future. I so agree with you about how the homeless are normally treated. They are treasures and they have so much to share if only we would stop and listen. I love when I get to go into the City and talk and pray with these wonderful men and women. Keep sharing your message!
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This is incredible. I really like what you did with this. Check my site out while you’re at it. I’m a science fiction writer, historian, scientist, theorist and many other things, and I’m only 25 years old. Take a look at my characters that I’ve come up with by clicking on the button in the top-right corner of my home page. Thanks.
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hi, congratulations on your book. Will grab a copy. Is it also available in paperback? i moved my blog to a new one. Hope you still remember me. 🙂 such an honor that you read my poems 🙂
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Thank you. Yes, my book is available in paperback through Amazon. Of course, I remember you. ~ Dennis
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Hi Dennis,
Thank you for the infomation. Haven’t grabbed a copy but will do so. I have migrated my blog to a new site.
Happy Christmas and New Year!
All the best,
Honey Sarion
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Oh this is great to hear about! I will track down your book on Amazon.
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I hadn’t heard from you in a while, though I am sure you are happily busy with your book 🙂
soo, I stopped by to say Hello….
and wish you a moment of dreams fulfilled
Take Care…You Matter…
)0(
maryrose
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What a wonderful subject!
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Yes, it has truly changed my life. I have kept my friendship with these people over the last four years. One of them, I saw as recently as yesterday. It costs little to give something that is so greatly appreciated.
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Hi Dennis, thank you for following my blog. Congratulations on the book – it looks like a fantastic, thought-provoking read; one that makes us get up and take action too. I look forward to reading it.
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I hope that you enjoy the read and take action. It’s within all of us to share our hearts. We are all the same, we seek happiness and an end to suffering.
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That’s true. I look forward to taking some time out to read it. Thanks again Dennis.
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Dennis YOU ARE INSPIRATION to so MANY …as we reach outside ourselves and touch peoples hearts…even though it may appear to the eye of the beholder…that we are separate….we are truly connected…all of the strength I have seen from War Vets…Immigrants…homeless…all teaching us so very much…taking the time to hear their voice…is huge…we have many homeless here in Hawaii…my husband and I speak to them and have learned so much….I just started to blog less than 2 months ago…and I am so grateful we have found each other….thank you for coming into my blog and helping me to universally expand…I am looking forward to reading your book!!! Heart to Heart Robyn
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Thanks Robyn, It’s a pleasure to meet a kindred spirit. I think we can learn something from everybody, but we must connect with them first and open our hearts.
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Yes to our connection in Love…
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Will this book be available on Kindle by any chance? And congratulations on publishing! I used to work at a recycling center every now and then and got to meet some amazing people with no homes to call their own except the streets under their feet.
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I’m glad you had the opportunity to meet some amazing homeless people at the recycling center. Yes, my book will be available on Kindle on June 10. ~ Dennis
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Dennis — I am excited. This will be my “June book.”
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Hi Lisa, I am so pleased. I agree with you, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. My street family is greater than the sum of its members. Alone we wouldn’t survive. ~ Dennis
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Congratulations, Dennis. Be sure to let us know where we can get copies. I used to have many experiences with homeless people while walking my dog on the Cape. I heard some of the most heartbreaking stories and still wonder today how things turned out. I remember that, while teaching Sunday school, a youngster sniggered about homeless people. At the time, I was one paycheck away from being homeless myself and told her so in no uncertain terms and how dare she make fun of anyone. Jesus was the original homeless person.
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Hi Cynthia, thanks for your encouragement and support. It is much appreciated. The following link will keep you updated on the progress:
http://www.karenzomedia.net/1/post/2014/05/gotta-find-a-home.html
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You can get updates at http://www.karenzomedia.net/ and/or on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karenzo-Media/155393704514296?ref=hl
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Good going, Dennis.
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Thanks, Allan. I love your photography. ~ Dennis
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This is wonderful news. I look forward to it.
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Thank you very much. The sale of this book will directly aid some of my friends who suffer from PTSD, ~ Dennis
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Congrats, Dennis!
I have so much respect for you for opening your mind and heart, getting on the street to see and feel the world of the homeless. You are an inspiration. So many people judge without anything to base their narrowed opinions on. You have offered an ear to so many that are not heard and taken it further by sharing with others. Looking forward to your book. 🙂
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Thank you so much. I feel guilty for taking credit for something that has brought me so much pleasure and so many new friends. The sale of the book will help the Innercity Missions, Street Outreach Program, so I’m glad that is has found favor with so many people. ~ Dennis
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So I’m coming home late last night from work and as I live in the city, I take public transportation. Waiting for the bus, there are a few men who drink on the street and at the bus stop in this particular area. I see them all the time even when I’m just passing by. They all seem to know each other. I don’t think they are all homeless but certainly some are. As I was sitting, I thought to myself, if I wasn’t so tired and had time, it would be interesting to find out who they are and how they got there. When I came home, I saw this post. I am very much looking forward to reading. Congrats!
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Thank you. There is a 1948 movie entitled The Naked City. One of the last lines is, “There are eight million stories in the naked city. This has been one of them.” Everyone has a story. ~ Dennis
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Dennis, great work. I look forward to reading this, but highly commend you for what you do and have done. BTG
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Thanks so much for your encouragement and support. As you have posted yourself “Love your neighbor as yourself (with no caveats)”. If we all followed that teaching the world would be a better place. ~ Dennis
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Congratulations on getting the book out soon, Dennis. This is quite a noble project, and it helps giving a voice to people, who are often overlooked or even regarded with contempt.
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Thank you so much. It has been a long haul, but to see it helping the Innercity Missions, Street Outreach Program will be a blessing. I know many of the volunteers and know how much the service is of benefit to my friends. I love your taste in music. ~ Dennis
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So glad to hear of your highly well-deserved success with your experiences with the homeless/street folks, Dennis. Some of it should be required life history reading in an anthropology course. (You might look into that. Some folks would be surprised at some of the life history subject matters taught in college. e.g., the Untouchables, about the caste system prostitutes in India.) Way da go! Peace.
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Thanks so much Loujen, That’s a good idea, promoting the book to colleges. Many psychologists have taken an interest. ~ Dennis
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Congrats to you my dear Dennis and cheers to the theme. I can’t wait to grab copies of the trilogy. :-)p
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Thank you so much, Marie, for your support and encouragement. I’m glad this stage will start showing results, but the daily conversations will continue. 🙂 ~ Dennis
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