Overview
Change of Heart is a community-oriented street newspaper produced and sold in Lawrence, Kansas. Published quarterly, the paper aims to provide local reporting, personal perspectives and a source of income for vendors who sell copies on the street. As with many street papers, its mission combines journalism, advocacy and practical economic support for people affected by homelessness or poverty.
Characteristics
The publication is issued every three months and has described a regular readership measured in the low thousands per issue. Change of Heart is a member of the North American Street Newspaper Association (NASNA), a network that supports independent street papers through training, networking and recognition programs. Observers have noted that Change of Heart has been the only regularly published street newspaper operating in Kansas.
- Frequency: quarterly (every three months)
- Organizational model: street-paper vendor program supporting individual sellers
- Affiliation: member of NASNA
- Format evolution: from a photocopied flyer to a multi-page magazine-style paper
History and development
The paper was launched in late 1996 by Craig Sweets, who has said the concept was suggested to him by Michael Stoops, then associated with the National Coalition for the Homeless. In its earliest days Change of Heart consisted of a single sheet printed on both sides and was produced using photocopiers made available by local churches and community groups, an approach common among grassroots publications of that era. By 1999 the paper had received regional recognition and the North American Street Newspaper Association named it "Best New Street Newspaper in North America." Over the years the publication expanded in size and organization, growing into a roughly ten-page periodical with its own small staff and office equipment.
Content and role
While exact content varies by issue, street newspapers like Change of Heart typically publish a mix of local reporting, first-person accounts, arts and culture, practical resource information and opinion pieces. The format is intended to amplify voices often overlooked in mainstream media, highlight services and events relevant to people experiencing housing instability, and provide vendors with material they can use to engage potential buyers. The vendor-sales model also offers sellers an opportunity to earn income while interacting with the broader community.
Impact, recognition and challenges
Change of Heart has been acknowledged for its early accomplishments and for sustaining a local platform addressing homelessness and poverty. The 1999 NASNA award brought attention to the paper's grassroots origins and rapid progress. Like many small community papers, it has faced the ongoing challenges of securing stable funding, recruiting volunteers and maintaining regular production, but it has also benefited from volunteer labor, community partnerships and the commitment of contributors and sellers.
Notable facts and resources
Key points about Change of Heart include its founding in 1996, its quarter-year publishing schedule, the 1999 NASNA recognition, and its growth from church-photocopied sheets to a multi-page publication with dedicated staff and equipment. Historical details emphasize community collaboration in production and a vendor-centered distribution model. For more information about street newspapers and the broader network that supports them, see relevant resources provided by associations and local community organizations.