News
80 people died homeless last year in Multnomah County
Trauma, addiction, chronic health conditions and more claimed the lives of 80 people experiencing homelessness in Multomah County last year, according to the county’s just-released Domicile Unknown report for 2016. That’s a slight decrease from 88 in 2015, but still higher than the previous four years. The countywide database was initiated in 2011, and since…
Gar Alperovitz: Creating a democratic economy ‘from the ground up’
“Ideas are important, but unless you can bring that vision down to earth, it’s just pie-in-the-sky,” Gar Alperovitz said. This philosophy seems to guide much of his work. A distinguished historian, political economist, activist and writer, Alperovitz is well known for his critically acclaimed books on the atomic bomb and atomic diplomacy. He has also…
Buried alive – to draw attention to drug deaths
It’s most people’s worst nightmare – being buried alive. But John Edwards did it on purpose for three days and three nights. Edwards kissed his wife goodbye and took a step into his specially made coffin. The lid was lowered, everything went dark, and he heard a layer of soil being scattered on top. “That…
‘I had no choice’: Portland ‘Valve Turner’ convicted in climate fight
On Nov. 20, 350Montana.org hosted a mock trial of “Valve Turner” Leonard Higgins at the University of Montana in Missoula. One of the witnesses was Steve Running, a Nobel Laureate scientist who gave 10 minutes of expert testimony on climate change. At the end of the mock trial, Higgins was acquitted. Two days later and…
Culture
Gar Alperovitz: Creating a democratic economy ‘from the ground up’
“Ideas are important, but unless you can bring that vision down to earth, it’s just pie-in-the-sky,” Gar Alperovitz said. This philosophy seems to guide much of his work. A distinguished historian, political economist, activist and writer, Alperovitz is well known for his critically acclaimed books on the atomic bomb and atomic diplomacy. He has also…
Environment
Nestlé crunched: Ouster from Gorge signals win for tribes, environment
After a nine-year battle with locals, Nestlé Waters North America has officially pulled up stakes and left the state of Oregon. Following an Oct. 27 letter from Gov. Kate Brown to Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kurt Melcher, Nestlé cleared out its Cascade Locks storefront and issued a terse statement thanking the city for…
‘I had no choice’: Portland ‘Valve Turner’ convicted in climate fight
On Nov. 20, 350Montana.org hosted a mock trial of “Valve Turner” Leonard Higgins at the University of Montana in Missoula. One of the witnesses was Steve Running, a Nobel Laureate scientist who gave 10 minutes of expert testimony on climate change. At the end of the mock trial, Higgins was acquitted. Two days later and…
Opinion
Nestlé crunched: Ouster from Gorge signals win for tribes, environment
After a nine-year battle with locals, Nestlé Waters North America has officially pulled up stakes and left the state of Oregon. Following an Oct. 27 letter from Gov. Kate Brown to Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kurt Melcher, Nestlé cleared out its Cascade Locks storefront and issued a terse statement thanking the city for…
Director’s Desk: Thanks for believing in Street Roots
It’s about that time. My days at Street Roots are winding down. Next week, I will be writing a reflective piece of my experience at Street Roots and a snapshot of homelessness today. This will be my last Director’s Desk. The new executive director, Kaia Sand, will be taking the reins starting next week. Israel…
Editorial cartoon: Dec. 8, 2017
Portland native Elizabeth Considine is the creator of Street Roots' editorial cartoon, Sheeptoast. Want to see more Sheeptoast cartoons? VIEW OUR GALLERY
Vendor Profiles
Street Roots vendor profile: A thirst for education
Shannan Debus is brimming with intelligence and honesty. She is a strong-willed young woman who follows her dreams and intuitions, no matter where they lead her. She was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and spent most of her life in New York state. She came from a poor, hardworking family. “We got by,” she said, “and…
Housing
A ‘painful decision’ to wait-list homeless families
A decision by the Joint Office of Homeless Services to start wait-listing homeless families who seek shelter beds – a first for Portland and Multnomah County – has rattled service providers at all levels of the social services spectrum. “The decision to close intake was very painful,” said Andy Miller, the executive director of Human…
