Kevin Robinson has been looking for work. But like many who find themselves out of work during this long recession— Robinson has had no luck. “I came to Street Roots to continue to build experience and to keep myself busy,” says Robinson.
Robinson has been selling the newspaper at SW Fifth Avenue and Morrison Street since April, after moving to Portland from Knoxville, Tenn. “I moved to Portland to improve my quality of life and to be closer to my 3 1/2-year-old daughter. I love Portland, the public transportation and the people are amazing.”
The downside says Robinson is gainful employment. “I’ve been looking for months.”
Robinson manages to live in a single-room-occupancy rental in Southwest Portland through selling Street Roots and getting a small disability check. He says that until six months ago, when he could afford a microwave at Wal-Mart, he was eating cold hotdogs daily to stay fed.
Robinson also says he is a religious man and has attended the Liberation Street Church since May. “I help run the overhead projects and the PowerPoint for the songs and Scriptures during the service.”
“I’ve done a lot in my life and I’m a proud person,” says Robinson. He went on to say he has amassed a number of medals, including a gold medal in softball, in the Special Olympics. Robinson has also bowled in the Special Olympics in his home state of Washington. “I love that stuff,” Robinson says with a smile.
According to Robinson, he also has a passion for animals. “I love cats,” he says. “We should name him White Sox,” he says petting the new Street Roots cat that is being named in a vendor contest. “He has white ‘sox.’ It’s perfect. Right?”
Asked what his New Year’s resolution was, Robinson says, “To control my blood sugar (he has diabetes) and to get housing that has a kitchen facility. I’m tired of cold hotdogs and microwave food.”
“I want to thank my readers and Street Roots,” says Robinson. “I have some very loyal readers who have helped me during my time here. I love working with the public and meeting new people. It’s taught me a lot.”