‘Everyone should have an equal chance at being successful in this life.’
Street Roots recently spent some time with the Portland Trail Blazers, asking players what they would say to people struggling with poverty and why people should care about those in need in the community.
The project was inspired by the #MyHomePDX campaign recently launched by Street Roots and allies to talk about homelessness and poverty in the community in a more thoughtful and engaging way. Tune into those conversations on the Street Roots Twitter and Facebook pages and follow the #MyHomePDX hashtag.
“The community should care about those on the streets. We see it everyday in Portland. I try to give to as many people as I can. It’s not a nice thing to see and we should be working to make people’s lives better. It’s huge that the community gets behind this.”
— Joel Freeland
“Keep your head up and keep having faith. People in the community who do have resources should do everything they can. Life can be tough at times.”
— Will Barton
“Try to stay positive and work to change your situation. People in the community do care. From myself to others in the NBA we try to give back to those less fortunate around the world and in Portland. It’s hard to believe at times, but there’s more people that care than don’t.”
— LaMarcus Aldridge
“Growing up, I moved around a lot. I know what it’s like to struggle. I grew up in Kansas City and there were many nights we didn’t have heat in the cold of winter. As cliché as it sounds, stay positive and continue to grow and never lose faith. Sometimes it’s not about you, it’s the circumstance you find yourself in. My inspiration and motivation grew from my family, even though we were in poverty. Sometimes it won’t be you that makes it, it may be a family member or someone you inspire. People should care. All human beings, regardless of our circumstances, should have compassion and care for others.”
— Earl Watson
“I think the community should always care about those people in a less fortunate situation. Growing up I was poor. I was never homeless, but I know the importance of a roof over your head. To me, you have to be able to respect people on the streets and acknowledge their situation. We all have to give back.”
— Meyers Leonard
“Man, no one should ever have to sleep outside. It’s an unfortunate situation and as a community we should do everything we can to make sure people have an opportunity to be successful.”
— Dorrell Wright
“Everyone should have a equal chance at being successful in this life. It’s important that we as a community work towards that.”
— Wesley Matthews
“It’s very important for us to be able to recognize all people as human beings and to give people the chance to be successful. I believe being homeless could happen to anyone and that we should always be working to make the world a better place.”
— Nicolas Batum
