Some tell me Ninth Street is my second home. I make my way over to the Bean Traders every day to drink tea or coffee, sit on that amazing leather couch and write until I can’t take it anymore.

I go because of the people there. Sarah and Sydney, baristas at Bean Traders, and the rest of the gang are like family to me.

I also go because of the panhandlers on Ninth Street.

I’ve built a bond with Slim, Concrete and the others who hang out hoping to pick up bits of change from those willing to rid themselves of a buck or two. Each of them blends in with the rest who come hoping to see a familiar face.

My time on Ninth Street inspired me to use my home away from home as the backdrop for the short story I wrote for “27 Views of Durham: The Bull City in Prose & Poetry,” which has just been published by Eno Publishers.

The book features 27 writers, who in poetry, essays, short stories and book excerpts tell the story of life in the Bull City. Authors include Steve Schewel, Barry Saunders, Jean Anderson, Katy Munger, David Guy, Ariel Dorfman, Pierce Freelon, Miguel Rojas-Sotelo, Andre Vann, John Valentine, Shirlette Ammons, Jim Wise and others.

My contribution is titled “Home is a Cup of Coffee.” It’s a work of fiction that tells the story of one of the homeless who goes missing during a spell of cold weather.

Customers at the Bean Traders are concerned as the weather worsens. It’s a story of love and support that transcends economic barriers.

The care for the panhandlers on Ninth Street is one of the things I love most about living in Durham.

So, when I hear that business owners on Ninth Street claim potential customers stay away because of the panhandlers, I’m forced to object to their claim.

I’m told it’s the topic of heated conversations during those meetings held by business owners designed to fix community problems.

Misplaced blame

Those disgruntled by the assumption that panhandlers are sabotaging business need to take advice from those who hang out on Ninth Street. We’re not concerned about Concrete and Slim.

Few people stay away from Ninth Street because of panhandlers. If a business is not making a profit, it could be because of what it has to offer.

I love Vaguely Reminiscent. It’s the place I go whenever I want to pick up a gift for Connie. They know her taste, and whatever I get makes her smile and gets me out of long periods in the doghouse. The ladies at the store always greet me with a smile.

I love picking up books at the Regulator. I get a good feeling when I support a locally owned bookstore. Besides, they always keep a stack of my novels (“Preacha’ Man” and “Backslide”) on hand for those who want to read the story of the Preacha’ Man.

I’ve noticed Hunky Dory while making the quick walk to Chubby Taco to pick up a shrimp taco, but, given my past, I stay away from places that remind me of getting high while listening to Jimi Hendrix.

I love Ox & Rabbit, but my desire to reduce my midsection forces me to fight the urge to get one of those floats every time I pass the place. It takes prayer and dedication to fight the temptation.

I’m troubled that Francesca’s has decided to leave Ninth Street after so many years. My love for their homemade ice cream stacked on top of lemon pound cake used to be part of a weekly tradition. I miss those Sunday evenings when I would go there to celebrate a day of worship. I had to let it go. Help me, Jesus.

I do miss Specs and George’s Garage. Other changes are coming that will alter life over on Ninth Street. New construction will change that small community vibe that draws hippies and bohemian types.

A helping hand

For now, there’s enough to keep me coming back, but with the revival in downtown Durham and the Brightleaf District, it’s not the businesses that have me there every day. It’s the people who meet me there.

So business owners may want to reconsider blaming panhandlers for the decline in their business.

I suggest they rethink their plan to get greater police presence to rid the street of my friends who share the place I love so much.

I can’t speak for other customers, but I’ll be certain to find a more affirming place to get my coffee and tea.

Home wouldn’t be the same with Concrete and Slim. Ninth Street isn’t Ninth Street without reminders of those who need a helping hand.

That’s what it means to be community.