Past Issues :: 2006 December 15 :: Director's Desk
Director's Desk
Street Roots is more than half way to reaching its goal of $20,000.
As of press time we’ve raised nearly $11,000. We are hoping readers
will pitch in so that Street Roots is able to hire a third staff member, upgrade
our technology, and help vendors with additional sales items in 2007.
On Dec. 6, the organization had an educational event with around 50 new donors and supporters with the help of Block Captain Lexie Harris. The event went fantastic, raising nearly $1,000. Supporters were able to listen to stories from vendors, board members and staff about the direction Street Roots is taking.
Street Roots offers three unique components. We are a social justice organization, a professional alternative newspaper, and we offer direct services to people experiencing poverty. Out of this come miracles and tragedies, empowerment and education, and the opportunity for people to control one’s own labor. More than 60 individuals build one-on-one relationships with businesses and individuals, and shatter the stereotype that homeless people are lazy.
Street Roots is able to work with a diverse group of organizations, private businesses and institutions, while having the integrity to speak truth to power. We believe in people, we also believe in people’s rights, and offering people real journalism and insight into the world we live in. Without people believing in us, none of this is possible.
When asked what are the most important things to our vendors, customers are always in the top three, after money and basic needs. The organization is growing and with the community’s support, we are on the verge of doing some great things.
By January, the organization will have begun the beginning stages of its strategic plan. We are looking at ways to increase circulation by better educating Portlanders on who we are and what we do. Great things are coming with the newspaper, and we will be looking at more creative ways to use micro-enterprising ventures for poor people, while building into a social justice organization that has more bite than bark.
We hope as the New Year approaches you are able to dream big with us. Together we can build something that can truly reach its potential. Together we can give voice to those that have been historically left out of debates that frame the community we live in. Together we can record the stories of homeless individuals that will not be found in history books. Together we can make a difference, and still be rough around the edges.
We hope you will take the time to donate to the Winter Fund Drive, and more importantly, keep buying the newspaper and reading it. We thank you for all your support.
