“One Step Away” is a street paper in Philadelphia that was made to bring awareness of homelessness, those living in shelters, or who are jobless. The papers are mostly created by those living in shelters, and are sold by people in similar conditions to Jackson.

 

Jackson spends five hours a day, seven days a week on the corner of Chestnut and 16th street selling papers. It has been his routine everyday for the past five years in the same spot.

 

“It was about coming home and trying to find something different. I used to live on the other side of the law and I said, ‘If I sold drugs, why can’t I sell a newspaper?’ So I gave it a try and I fell in love with it.” Jackson said when talking about how he got started with “One Step Away”.

 

Many people that pass Jackson walking to and from work have begun to recognize him and make a donation even if they do not want a paper. He said that the people who ignore him, or act like he is hassling them, “…have to be more conscious and more aware and know what is really going on out there on the street.”

 

If Jackson were offered an office job, he says he would take it in a heartbeat; however, he would absolutely not give up “One Step Away”. Working on the street for the program has not only helped him financially, but has also helped build his character.

 

“I’m meeting new people day-by-day constantly by working on the street. You have to deal with all types of people and all types of attitudes. That builds you up.” Jackson said.

 

Like Jackson, this program has helped many turn their lives around.

 

“You are only one step away from falling into a similar situation. It only takes one mistake.”