Real Change would like to thank Susan Ford for devoting her time, heart, and mind to our organization. Not only has she been voted vendor representative multiple times by her peers, she also volunteers her time on our board and participates in countless other ways. Thanks!
From the rocky peaks of the Cascades to the shores of the Puget Sound, Susan Ford loves the geography of the Northwest.
"I love the weather and the mountains and the water and the people...I could go on and on."
Ford has hiked the crisscrossing paths through Washington's mountains, rivers and valleys. This state never ceases to fascinate her. "I've lived here all my life and I still haven't seen or been everywhere."
This fascination extends to history, particularly of cities. Motioning around her at the bustle of 45th and the Ave, she explains: "That's how all this started... each city has it [a history]."
As history is written in the movement of the people and places around her, Ford wishes people would engage with their city more. Step out of their world, take off their headphones, and "be more aware of other people and what's going on." Ford does her part to engage and inform passersby.
"I've changed people's mind, their outlook on homelessness...Any one of us could be there."
When not selling Real Change, Ford enjoys reading, crossword puzzles and cooking. "I never slow down."
Ford studied cooking at FareStart, a culinary training program for homeless and low-income people. There she learned how to combine spices and flavors for just the right taste. "I never knew there were so many spices and half of them we don't even use."
To her customers Susan Ford says: "Thank you for supporting Real Change and being supportive of me. I'm not going anywhere for awhile, so keep coming by even if it is just to say hi."
Say hi to Ford in front of Bartell's at 45th and the Ave in the University District.