By Ashley Koronko,Contributing Writer
It was cold and windy when I pulled up to meet Cynthia and
Don near what was soon to be their new apartment at Stark Firs. They flag me in, spotting me from two blocks
away, Don waving and Cynthia ready with her warm smile.
We trek down to the management office as they tell me about
their journey. Both Cynthia and Don started working for Street Roots back in
2011.
Currently paying for a motel to keep out of the late winter
weather, Don and Cynthia walk and talk with excitement about having a place to
call their own. The help of many organizations working collaboratively has made
it possible for Cynthia and Don to move indoors.
I tuck my camera under my jacket to keep out the smattering
of icy rain and pull my coat close against the gusts of wind that is so
infamous in Southeast Portland. Cynthia and Don don’t seem to notice the cold
weather.
We arrive and Cynthia is bouncing up and down with
anticipation as we wait for the property manager to unlock the front door to
their apartment. Don and Cynthia walk in to experience their new home for the
first time.
“It smells so clean!” Cynthia remarks upon entering.
“It’s so big!” Don exclaims.
After paying $225 every five days for a motel room, Cynthia
and Don start opening every cupboard, closet and drawer as they begin to
realize that they now have a place to call their own.
I ask them how they are feeling at this point and a look of
joy and gratitude starts to shine in their eyes and crack in their voices,
sometimes talking over each other, as they begin to tell me how many people
they wish to thank.
“Thanks to Rick and Moe and everyone at Stark Firs.”
“We want to give a special thanks to, Cole Merkel and (the
housing agency) JOIN for all of their support with the deposit and rent.”
If anyone desires to wish them well or give them a hug or a
high five on their accomplishment don’t be shy, Don works in front of the Whole
Foods in Northwest Pearl district and Cynthia sells at Pearl Bakery.
This article appears in 2013-04-12.