The Poetry Street Projecthttp://poetrystreet.blogspot.com by Catt FoyMay 26, 2008The Poetry Street Project is a non-traditional project formulated for credit in a graduateclass on public writing at Western Illinois University Quad-Cities Campus and was inspired byPaula Mathieu’s book,

Tactics of Hope

. In her introduction Mathieu writes, “The most importantlessons about writing I have learned come from working with writers who are or have beenhomeless.” For me, this statement struck a deep chord, both as a writer and as someone who hasexperienced homelessness.Initially I intended to write about my own experiences, but as the idea grew and took on alife of its own, it became clear to me that it was more important to offer a voice to those whohave not yet found an outlet for their stories—people who are currently homeless, or who have been homeless. I limited my area of focus, to Davenport, Iowa, the town where I currentlyreside.I envisioned the project as a collection of poetry, stories, essays, artwork and photographyhighlighting the experiences and lives of those who have experienced homelessness, as well asshowcasing their talents to potential benefactors, mentors, or employers. Perhaps this exposurewill offer inspiration and hope to those who are suffering with or who are still haunted by their experiences of homelessness.Mother Theresa spoke of a hunger for hope, love and acceptance that overshadows physical hunger. Homelessness in the United States rarely means starving for food; it nearly