Helen John was born in Buffalo, New York, though she says she’s been in Boston since 1977. When discussing her past, she has fond memories of childhood. Helen decided to move to New England for the Greek Orthodox convent, then located in Jamaica Plain. She notes that when she first arrived in the area, she worked for a couple of years including as a nurse’s aid. However, she relates that in 1974 she began to struggle with mental health issues, and she has faced similar challenges ever since.

In addition, Helen John has had to deal with other forms of adversity, with physical health problems. She currently gets around in a motorized wheelchair and relies on personal aids to meet many of her daily needs. Helen reports that she has been homeless several times in Boston, due to mental health issues. Perhaps this is why she always tries to help others even when she has little for herself. Helen John says she simply cares about people, especially the mentally ill and homeless, and that she gives to people on the street when she can. When she can’t, Helen continues, she still brings them sandwiches.

Helen John is a spiritual person. She was baptized in the Russian Catacomb Church outside of Russia and is now a member of the Holy Orthodox Church in North America. Describing her evolving belief system, Helen says that she is a retired Druidist and that she has studied the Occult. Now, during Lent Helen tries to attend services every day, afterwards selling Spare Change at night. She describes the Holy Nativity Convent in Brookline as a great support. "It’s my life," Helen asserts, saying that her connection there keeps her from getting depressed.

Selling Spare Change News has also proven to be a source of community for Helen John, since she enrolled as a vendor since March 2010. She credits a fellow vendor Robert at CVS in Brighton for getting her involved. Helen says that the money she earns from selling the paper goes towards food, and also towards the contributions she makes to the homeless community.

Meet Helen John in Brookline, in Jamaica Plain near JP Licks, in front of Starbuck’s on Dartmouth St. in Back Bay, or in the evening in Harvard Square. When you buy the paper from her, you’ll enjoy a personal touch. Helen draws artwork, especially images of angels on as many copies as she can. When she's not selling the paper, Helen expresses herself as both an artist and a guitarist. Take the time to share stories with Helen John and prepare yourself for an enthralling dialogue!