Have you seen this man? If you have been on campus this week (and actually went to class) you definitely ran into him on the street. He's been hanging out in front of the GW Hospital, as well as on the corner of 24th and Pennsylvania Avenue just last Thursday.

Meet Jeffery McNeil, vendor and writer for Street Sense, a biweekly newspaper "where the Washington area's poor and homeless earn and give their two cents.” The publication has been in existence for four years, but is just making its presence known in Foggy Bottom.

Street Sense helps Washington's homeless people get off the street and start a new life. Those who are interested have to take a few training seminars, and get to buy the newspaper at a discounted rate, then re-sell it for a suggested donation of $1.

So if you were wondering what that nice guy in front of the GW Hospital wearing the "If your gonna walk past me at least say hello" sign was all about, well, he's about Street Sense!

"I never ask anybody for anything. I just ask for a simple $1 donation. It's just like buying a can of Coke," said McNeil about his vending approach.

For some who enter Street Sense's training program, their efforts don't last long for various reason. However, others continue to do it until they get enough money to start following their dreams. For Jeff, things are just getting better and better.

"A month ago I was homeless like that woman over there" said McNeil.

Now, Jeff is saving up money to invest in other businesses, focus more on his writing (in addition to his articles for Street Sense), and potentially become a food critic.

"I do it all. Street Sense allow me to be an entrepreneur."

So next time you see Jeff in front of the GW Hospital, if you aren't going to buy a paper from him, at least say hello.

Like he says, "Does a smile cost you anything?"