Chicana Chisme

02/15/2025

02/12/2025

Today is Westside Wednesday 🙏🏽

(Text from a post by Louisville Outreach for the Unsheltered )

🚨 “Just get a job.” 🚨
�We hear it all the time, but let’s take a moment to unpack why this is NOT the simple solution it’s often made out to be for our unhoused neighbors.

Getting and keeping a job comes with challenges most of us take for granted—but for someone experiencing homelessness, these challenges can feel impossible to overcome.

Here’s why:

🪪Identification Documents: Secure employment often requires an ID or Social Security card. If those are lost or stolen (a common occurrence when living unsheltered), the process to replace them is complicated and expensive.

🏠No Address: Many job applications and employment forms require a permanent address. Without one, even applying becomes a hurdle.

🏦No Bank Account: Direct deposit is the norm for many jobs, but opening an account without an address or ID? That’s a barrier.

⏰No Alarm Clock: How do you wake up on time for an interview or shift without a home—or electricity—to charge your phone or set an alarm?

☎️No phone: Even if you are fully qualified and hireable, how does the employer get ahold of you if they need to reach you?

🛀No Place to Shower or Get Clean Clothes: You’ve got the right skills, but appearances matter in interviews. Without access to basic hygiene, people are unfairly judged before they even start.

🚌Transportation Issues: Without reliable transportation, even getting to work becomes a struggle. Buses cost money, and cars require gas, insurance, and maintenance.

🛠️No Money for Uniforms or Tools: Some jobs require specific clothing, footwear, or tools just to start. They’re not provided for free, and most unhoused people simply don’t have the extra cash.

These barriers make the path to employment incredibly steep—but they don’t reflect a lack of desire or ability. Unhoused people across the country are constantly fighting these systemic obstacles while working to survive day by day. The truth is, tackling homelessness means addressing these root causes and creating pathways to stability—not blaming, judging, or offering unrealistic “solutions.” Compassion and action are key.

💡 Want to help? Consider supporting local organizations to help fight against homelessness. Together, we can help create opportunities—not judgment."

www.breadandblankets.org





Winter Amazon list:
https://amzn.to/3WaXQjU

Lunch Bag Needs from Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4gLp4WF

02/05/2025

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Texas Folklife magazine is looking for contributors to showcase the rich cultures and traditions of Texas. We welcome submissions from artists, writers, poets, and community members eager to share their creativity and stories. Your work could be featured in our upcoming issue!

SUBMIT BY FEBRUARY 10, 2025 to [email protected] and use "Q1 Submission" as your subject line.

02/04/2025

Tuskegee Airmen in front of their P-40.

02/03/2025

Thank you everyone who came out to the watch party for the Lisa Lisa Story! The music brought back so many memories, and her story was truly inspiring! Big thanks to for having us, the food, drinks and service were TOP TIER!


Have you seen the Lisa Lisa Story yet?!

01/15/2025

🚨 Urgent Help Needed 🚨
There are over 100 clients waiting for wheelchairs, and we need your support to get them moving toward independence.

If you have a wheelchair you no longer need, please consider donating it to Project MEND. 💙

📞 Call us at 210-223-6363
🌐 Visit https://ow.ly/QMyv50UGqPW

Want to purchase a brand-new wheelchair? 🦽 Check out our Amazon Wishlist:
👉 https://ow.ly/MgY250UGqPU

Every wheelchair donated or purchased makes a life-changing difference. Thank you for helping us provide mobility, dignity, and independence to those in need. ❤️

01/07/2025

SAN ANTONIO (January 7, 2025) — The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture has opened the Intent to Apply window for its fiscal year 2026 Artist Grants. San Antonio-based artists may apply for funding, available in $7,500 and $15,000 tiers, to support the creation of new work. Offered annually, Artists Grants are available to individual artists as well as those working in collaborations, collectives and ensembles. Applicants must submit an Intent to Apply by February 7, 2025 to gain access to the full grant application (open January 13 - February 21, 2025).

The program, established in 2022, aims to support a diverse portfolio of artists working across San Antonio. Grants are for the production of new, original and high-quality art to be presented in the city. Artists of all disciplines, including Literary Arts, Media Arts, Multi-Disciplinary, Performing Arts and Visual Arts are encouraged to apply.

“Artist grants are fantastic opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers. Whether you are a first-time or returning applicant, we welcome the opportunity to connect with you,” said Department of Arts & Culture Director Krystal Jones.

Artists who submit an Intent to Apply and who meet the program’s eligibility criteria will then have access to the full application that opens on January 13. Timeline:

Now – February 7: Intent to Apply window
January 13 – February 21: Application window
March – April: Application panel review
June: Notify applicants of funding recommendations
June 26: Funding recommendations reviewed by Arts Funding Committee and San Antonio Arts Commission
September: City Council vote on budget recommendations
October: Contracts and funding awarded to grantees

For more information, visit SA.gov/Arts and follow

01/06/2025

✨ What does “Dále Shine” mean to you? ✨
🤎 My grandpa used to tell me this all the time, since he passed away I’ve made it my motto!

In a world filled with challenges, the phrase “Dále Shine” encourages us to keep pushing forward and let our true selves sparkle! 🌟 It’s a reminder to embrace our uniqueness and share our light with the world. Whether it’s through creativity, kindness, or resilience, every little action matters!

🌟How do you plan to shine brighter this week?