Paul joined Street Roots about two or three years ago as a way to make money. He loves the crosswords and poetry in the issues. Paul also loves flying kites, petting animals, the look of bamboo and greenery in the city, and sparklers — but more specifically, writing his name out using sparklers. He did just that two weeks ago with a friend, and they took pictures of it.
He’s a fireworks guy, and there was a lot of it in Rockaway Beach, where he spent most of his life. Though he was born in Detroit, his mother moved the family to the Oregon coast. That’s where he developed a love for the beach, flying kites and swimming. Nowadays, he uses a cane, and misses swimming as a way to work out and move his body.
While he isn’t moving his body as much compared to his past, Paul’s eyes are his way of interacting with the world. Paul is a deep observer. During our conversation, he noticed all the fine details around us like the dog Maisie who came in and immediately gravitated towards his fingers, which he lowered to the ground to let her sniff. He also noticed the pigeons that waddled in front of the bamboo outside, and briefly mentioned a story about the Rice Krispies he had on hand last time he interacted with them. A lover of all animals, he very specifically wants a cat named Bubbles.
Along with adopting a Bubbles, he wants to go back to school to take math and science classes to complete his GED certificate. Paul wants to attend college as well as learn Spanish, so he can chat and connect with people using the language. He already has quite a vocabulary, but wants to improve.
Paul’s desire to learn is almost on par with his love of music and performance. Paul wants to get a harmonica and guitar and be on stage. What songs would he sing? “I Want to Be Somebody” and “Amazing Grace.” He began to sing, with a steady voice with a hint of gruff, “I once was lost, now I’m found.”
Paul is religious and began believing in Christ about 10 years ago. He reads the Bible regularly and turns to it for support and comfort.
When asked if he had a message for others, he encouraged people to treat one another with kindness. He added with a smile, quoting the familiar lyrics: “We all need somebody to lean on.”
You can find Paul on the West side, he plans to start selling in the Pearl District near the Wells Fargo bank. You can also support Paul through @StreetRoots Venmo by entering his name and badge number (1222) in the memo.
Street Roots is an award-winning weekly publication focusing on economic, environmental and social justice issues. The newspaper is sold in Portland, Oregon, by people experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty as means of earning an income with dignity. Street Roots newspaper operates independently of Street Roots advocacy and is a part of the Street Roots organization. Learn more about Street Roots. Support your community newspaper by making a one-time or recurring gift today.
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This article appears in August 27, 2025.