Past Issues :: 2006 November 1 :: Column: Director's Desk
Director's Desk
November 1st marks the beginning of organizations winter fund drive.
The fund drive will run until Dec. 31st. Our goal is to raise $20,000
for two important aspect of the organization - the vendor program,
and the newspaper.
Street Roots is nearing its 8th Anniversary in 2007, and since then we have helped launch Dignity Village, published nine books of people experiencing homelessness and poverty through its cooperative press, developed crucial news stories, helped drive policy making decisions around homelessness and housing, and developed into one of the best street newspapers in the country. City Commissioner Erik Sten says, “Street Roots has changed the face of homelessness in Portland.”
Some would have you believe people experiencing poverty shouldn’t receive money for their work. Street Roots believes differently. The organization has broken many stereotypes about people living in poverty – they are all lazy drunks, etc. More than 50 vendors sell the newspaper in the Portland region, and have developed crucial relationships with thousands of community members and business owners. We’ve had individuals go from being homeless vendors to hospital interpreters, from living under a bridge to paying for their own apartment at market value, and had individuals going from being completely broken to being a part of the larger community. Vendors are independent and hard working. You will find a Street Roots vendor selling the newspaper 365 days a year – rain, or shine, working for what we all long for – dignity. In the process, we’ve brought you engaging articles from and about the community. We’re proud to be Portland’s best progressive newspaper, and a leader in the dialogue of economic and social justice.
None of this could be possible without you the reader – the backbone of the organization. We are asking you to donate to the organization during this important time.
Please send a check or money order to Street Roots at 211 NW Davis, Portland, Oregon 97209, or pay online.
