Ronald Fox values the kindness and community that can be shared in a passing glance. Outside the Ballard QFC, he talks excitedly about all the things that bring him joy while he sells the paper.
"It's all about the eye contact. Putting a smile on their faces," he said. "And I'm thankful for their smiles, too."
Ronald has lived all his life in Washington State. He was born and raised in Tacoma and moved to Seattle in 1981. He has lived here ever since. Ronald originally discovered and started selling Real Change in the late 1990s, after years of labor jobs, janitorial work and a stint at a used car lot. He would sell the paper when he needed the money and take time off as other opportunities arose.
Lately, though, Ronald has become more consistent. Several months ago he made the QFC his permanent selling spot where he goes to work each day. And he has done well, circulating more than 300 papers to his loyal customers every month. After years of struggle in his past, including a period of homelessness when he was younger, he is more at peace now with the security of housing and consistent work.
"I've had my problems, but I just kept going,"