Past Issues :: 2006 December 1 :: Column: Director's Desk
Director’s Desk
Street Roots has raised nearly $6,000 during the first three weeks
of our winter fund drive. We are asking the Portland community to
help us raise $20,000 by the end of the year.
The organization has set three key goals for the fundraiser — vendor incentives, staffing and technology.
Street Roots relies on community members to help us function on a day-to-day basis. Without your support, we would not be able to publish a bimonthly newspaper, and offer more than 60 individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty the opportunity to make a flexible income or be published in the newspaper.
The organization is currently developing a strategic plan that will enable us to empower vendors, market the organization with a clearer message of what we do and who we are, and to continue to educate and build relationships with the community. Bruce Anderson, a consultant and Street Roots supporter who led Sisters of the Road through strategic planning over the past several years, is volunteering with the organization to complete the plan.
The goals the organization is setting will be announced over the coming months, but one thing is for sure — we need more staffing and better technology.
For years Street Roots has operated on an archaic computer system. If we reach the $20,000 mark we will be able to buy the necessary equipment to maintain the newspaper and reach deadlines in a timely manner without experiencing the headaches and obstacles of an outdated system.
Staffing is also a priority. Street Roots has one of the best group of volunteers I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. The volunteers are 70 strong, and growing. Throw in a cooperative press, a writers group, vendor outreach, marketing, fundraising, networking, advocacy, the newspaper itself, and maintaining a successful non-profit, and it’s clear — the two current paid staff members can not maintain this kind of growth without imploding.
Street Roots is proud to have built a relationship with more than 7,000 readers who buy the newspaper every two weeks. We are hoping during this holiday season of giving that you will take the time to give to something that matters. Street Roots makes a difference every day in neighborhoods and in front of businesses throughout the Portland region. Your donation will go to something that will have a tremendous impact in the organization today, while helping support a vision for the future.
We thank you for your continued support and dedication to the community. Now, let’s really make a difference!
