“2015 was a year that I faced so many challenges, on positive and negative levels. Every year, the communities support me with immense love and support. This year, they REALLY came through for me when I was homeless for a few months. Give thanks to the employees of the Standard Insurance Building, public defender’s office, communities of the Mississippi and Shaver neighborhood, Ash St. Bar, my friends, and my family of Street Roots as well. Much mad love to my favorite karaoke bar, the Boiler Room, this holiday season and many more.”
Marlon Crump, aka “Mad Man Marlon”
“I’m grateful for Street Roots being here, for all us people. There are good people here. I get to meet all these new friends and sell papers.”
Wallace Outwater
“It feels good to be off the streets for the first time in 12 years. What a long road, man. If it wasn’t for the help of Street Roots, I wouldn’t have made it in. Now, Street Roots is helping me pay my rent. I also want to thank all my customers, the folks at Bud Clark Commons, JOIN & Haven at Outside In. You all made this possible.”
Louis Adams
“I like everything about Street Roots. It got me started up to where I’m at now. Street Roots gives me something to do. I love meeting people. I love staying active. I love being my own boss. And it feels good to have this badge around my neck.”
William Howard
“Being inside for the first night in 12 years was great. I was able to sleep right away. My bed is nice and comfortable.”
Arnold Casey
On getting into housing: “I’m in heaven right now. This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m so excited right now!”
Bob Healy
“Weekly has made my life so much better! I used to have to save my money the first week to spend it the second. I used to have to struggle every day. Now I look forward to the new paper every Friday. So do my customers. The one thing I’ve been told over and over again is that the paper has gotten better.”
Tony Boone
“I’m grateful for the fact that I have friends and family here at Street Roots, that I have come to love and count on. Street Roots is pretty much the only thing that has kept me alive and going.”
Billy Meyer
“Weekly lets me focus more on my customers and become a greater part of my community.”
Duane Wagner
“I’d like to thank all the customers who have made this year so great. My biggest enjoyment has been meeting new ones and the conversation and interaction with them. Street Roots customers are truly great.”
Achilles Corelleone
“I’m proud of what I do for Street Roots because I try to make my customers really happy. I love working here, and I’m grateful that I am just here, doing my thing. I really appreciate it.”
Paul Ortiz
“I’m thankful for my health and strength this year.”
Cornell Clemons
“SR has been very very good to me. I am grateful for all my customers for showing their support. Thank you.”
Daniel Cox
“I hope you have a happy holiday season. I hope fortune comes your way. I appreciate how you appreciate Street Roots vendors for what you do. I just can’t express it. It means a lot.”
Roy Cochran
“I’m a vendor at Peet’s Coffee and City Market, and I see my regular customers at least once a week. They are some of the nicest people I have met in Portland, and I thank every one of them.”
Doug Marcks
“Thank you, Mr. Felton, my favorite customer. He’s the man.”
Earl Bennett
“I want to thank you all so much for all your support and your love. You’ve recognized the fact that there are people out here trying to get back on their feet so all your help is very much appreciated. Thank you!”
Brent B. Lusted
“I would like to say thank you for taking the time to listen to the stories that are in Street Roots, taking the time to get to know us and be regular customers and say hi and help us out and just do the sweet little things that you do. I really appreciate that. It helps a lot, especially in our circumstances.”
Melissa Sayson
“Thank you for your support. Thank you for showing that you care about me and others at Street Roots and we appreciate everything you’ve done for us over this last year. Happy holidays and happy new year to you!”
Fluffy McGuire
“Have a very happy holiday, and thank you for being my customers.”
David Ferguson
“Merry Christmas, and I hope everyone has a happy holiday.”
Austin Kelly
“Words can’t begin to describe the gratitude I feel toward my customers at Powell’s on Hawthorne. Thanks for being there for me.”
Nate
“I am grateful for the true agape love shown me by Street Roots readers. You shelter, clothe and feed me while supporting my emotional well being. It is because of the community of Street Roots readers at New Seasons Concordia that my mental health is stablizing.”
Dan Newth
“My customers are my foundation. They provide my precious basic needs including my spirit. Their warmth and generosity gives me strength in every new day. Thank you all.”
Lori Lematta
“My customers are the best. They are intelligent and imaginative. They also give me good advice when it comes to acquiring my life goals. So, on that note, thank you for supporting Street Roots, and making my life better. Season’s greetings to you and yours.”
Roger Cavitt
“Homeless self: What I do to be myself is get up each day, face the day. Make appointments and keep them. Sell Street Roots to keep me and Molly (my dog) nourished and pray for his will to allow me to get up each day, to face the day. My homeless self will no longer take such simple things for granted, such as showers, electricity and bathrooms. I count my blessings each day for women’s shelter, and Red Doors for daily nourishment of food and spirituality.”
Eileen Vizenor
This article appears in 2015-12-18.