DAN NEWTH | The best part of my day is seeing people smile as they greet me
My first experience selling Street Roots in 2002 was alienating at first. I was a stranger interrupting other strangers. It took me three days to sell my first 10 papers. If not for the encouragement of Brian Pollard, one of Street Roots’ founders, and Dana Ellis, a vendor who passed in 2005, I would have quit.
In 2002, Street Roots was a grassroots, all-volunteer organization. Many vendors spent time volunteering in the office, writing, working behind the sales desk, or contributing to the discussion about how the organization would continue and grow. Half the articles in the paper were written by homeless volunteers.
I began spending more time volunteering in the office and writing articles more critical of the Portland social service system. Rather than creating enemies, which I had feared, I began getting involved with numerous community groups addressing homelessness. This was a new level of engagement in community for me, and it was exhausting.
To make a very long story short, I burned out and eventually went back to just selling papers. Then I lost my homeless status by getting married. Nine years later, I divorced, regaining my homeless status, but with diminished capacity. I have been selling at New Seasons at Northeast 33rd Avenue and Emerson Street in the five years since. Having a regular spot has given me another chance to engage with community.
I have been educated, supported, entertained and have shared human experiences with folks passing by the bit of sidewalk outside the exit door of New Seasons. I’ve been kissed by many dogs and hugged by many friends. We commiserate, rejoice in our successes and talk of the world as we see it.
The best part of my day is seeing people smile as they greet me. And each day, my mind wears down until I lose the mental power to feel joy. It’s a simple life, and I appreciate the rare moments when my mind can communicate through pen, paper and keyboard.
Dan Newth is a longtime Street Roots vendor. Read more about Dan in his vendor profile.
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