Our Mission

Groundcover News exists to 1) provide economic opportunity to self-determined individuals impacted by poverty 2) to produce a street newspaper that uplifts underrepresented voices in Washtenaw County and 3) to promote an action that contributes towards a just, caring and equal society.

Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs.  Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale.    


Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries,  in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers.

What We Do

  • - Groundcover News vendors can earn an income by selling the paper, writing for the paper, and selling advertisements for the paper.

    - You do not need an ID, Social Security number, or address to sell Groundcover News

    - We train interested vendors at our office twice a week and start them off with 10 free papers and a Groundcover News badge. 

    - We host biweekly workshops that strengthen employable skills.

  • - Groundcover News publishes our $2 street paper every two weeks. 

    - A majority if not all of the writing and photography is done by Groundcover News vendors and freelance writers. 

    - Groundcover vendors are invited to write about what they want to share with their customers and community. 

  • - Groundcover can only be purchased in person, from a Groundcover News vendor! We believe the act of buying and selling Groundcover News strengthens the community by creating relationships, starting conversations, and inspiring positive street activity. 

    - Groundcover News often organizes free community events that bring people together across differences to have fun, share ideas, or experience the arts.