Street Roots vendors tell us how they spent their stimulus money

After a long wait, many people who applied through the Street Roots office for the tax credit have finally received their checks

by Veronica Ruth | 9 Jun 2021

Street Roots vendors’ pandemic revenue trends are no different from others’ in the wake of Portland’s hushed street traffic. Reduced paper sales coupled with delays of government-issued stimulus checks have created high anxieties since the $600 was promised in December. After five months of waiting, May has finally brought an influx of checks addressed to those who applied for the funding through the Street Roots office.

Cheers have been shared by office staff and vendors as the long-awaited envelopes were received. Many folks remain in limbo, trying to find answers from the IRS as to why they haven’t received their checks. Others have their checks but face the next adversity of finding a mode to cash them without a government-issued ID. We asked vendors who have received their stimulus checks how they are using the money.

Randy Humphreys

I bought food and stayed in a hotel — for temporary housing. I bought new clothes too.

Matt Perkins

I bought necessities. Clothing.

Jana Lowe

I paid a lot of bills off.

Bob Dickey

Most of it went to the Hazelnut Grove charging station and Wi-Fi link so people can keep their phones charged and all that. … There’s a good chance (my anticipated $1,400 check) will go toward a project I’m working on. A lady in St. Johns drives a van to bring supplies to homeless camps. I’m building her a solar charging station so folks can charge their phones.

Patti Wright

I’ve saved them. I have a goal that I’m trying to come up to. By selling Street Roots, too. When I hit that goal, I’m going on vacation!

Char Garcia

Paying my phone bill, paying off (medical) back bills. Buying new boots, new jeans and personal care products. When the boots go out, you have to buy new ones. It’s mostly keeping the phone turned on for mental health and doctors’ appointments. Also, for talking to my kid.

Jason Scheer

I haven’t received my checks yet, but I’d pay off my bills. Phone … electric. I owe child support, too.

Regina Blakeman

I just got (the checks) today. There’s some things I need, like cleaning supplies. The other money I’m giving to my son to put into his bank until I absolutely need it. I have to get a new ID. I have to buy a new backpack, which somebody just stole with my ID and my wallet inside.

Eileen Vizenor

I was able to take myself out to dinner a couple times. I also bought food for my dog, Vickie.

Jennifer Bradford

I’ve bought clothes for myself. I got some stuff for my youngest and have taken care of my needs.

Max McEntire

I just went and ordered new glasses today. Mainly living expenses for stuff you can’t buy off a food stamp card. Laundry, glasses, a new hat.

Street Roots is an award-winning weekly publication focusing on economic, environmental and social justice issues. The newspaper is sold in Portland, Oregon, by people experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty as means of earning an income with dignity. Street Roots newspaper operates independently of Street Roots advocacy and is a part of the Street Roots organization. Learn more about Street Roots. Support your community newspaper by making a one-time or recurring gift today.

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