News
Portland hospital ER often swamped with mental health crises, says department worker
For people on the streets suffering from mental health issues, a crisis often means a trip either to jail or to the emergency room. ERs, like the back of a squad car, are one of the few remaining safety nets for people suffering a mental health crisis, especially those without a residence. The increasing, well-documented…
Portland law clinic ushers homeless youths through the legal process
When Demetris Taylor-Brown, at age 21, learned his girlfriend was pregnant, he made some big decisions. He turned down his scholarship to Grambling State University, and instead of going to college, got two jobs so he could support his son. “I sacrificed a lot to be a father,” he said. A year later, they broke…
Unlocking the rainbow: Small press amplifies voices of LGBTQ+ prisoners
Casper Cendre’s small apartment has stacks of letters, envelopes and artwork in every corner. On their monitor is a spreadsheet with hundreds of names, a chronological record of every letter received and the order in which to respond. A decorated frame holds a brightly colored depiction of David Bowie, who looks on with twinkling eyes. …
Housing
The problem with that home on the range
The housing authority that provides federal low-income housing to the northeastern corner of Oregon hopes to launch a housing navigator program this spring in the hopes of helping impoverished people who face multiple obstacles when getting into housing. The Northeast Oregon Housing Authority, which serves Baker, Grant, Union and Wallowa counties, plans to hire one…
Portland law clinic ushers homeless youths through the legal process
When Demetris Taylor-Brown, at age 21, learned his girlfriend was pregnant, he made some big decisions. He turned down his scholarship to Grambling State University, and instead of going to college, got two jobs so he could support his son. “I sacrificed a lot to be a father,” he said. A year later, they broke…
Becoming Lily, the homeless Muppet on Sesame Street
Meet Lily. After losing their apartment and spending time in a shelter, she and her family are staying on Sesame Street with their friend Sofía (played by actress Jasmine Romero) while they look for housing. “I love watching Lily,” said Kama Einhorn, senior content manager at Sesame Workshop, who speaks fondly of the “sweet, hopeful,…
Vendor Profiles
Street Roots vendor profile: Empowering people in poverty
Brent Snyder wants to help people bridge the gap. “How do we transcend the gap between homeless and poor and an opportunity for a better life?” he asked. “Where do we find that ladder? “If we look at the leadership that’s running every program, they’re people with college educations, who are empowered, from non-poverty backgrounds.…
Culture
Becoming Lily, the homeless Muppet on Sesame Street
Meet Lily. After losing their apartment and spending time in a shelter, she and her family are staying on Sesame Street with their friend Sofía (played by actress Jasmine Romero) while they look for housing. “I love watching Lily,” said Kama Einhorn, senior content manager at Sesame Workshop, who speaks fondly of the “sweet, hopeful,…
Opinion
A journey toward redemption begins at Street Roots
As quickly as my bike was dismantled, it was built again. Lacquered in worn Street Roots stickers, the red frame of my bike was still locked to the post, but not much else. Just outside our office door, police were talking with a man who might have been the swift bike-parts thief, our street hectic…
