Rick looks forward to getting back to his regular spots to sell the newspaper
Street Roots vendor Rick Davis was unable to sell papers throughout much of the pandemic, but that didn’t stop him from stepping up to volunteer with Street Roots at every opportunity, including leading the construction of a Street Roots memorial wall to remember vendors who passed away.
“Street Roots means family to me,” he said. “We celebrate the good times and the bad, too. Just like family.”
STREET ROOTS NEWS: Rick Davis ensures his homeless peers are remembered after they die
He became a vendor in 2017, just before the holidays. He had been in a shelter and met a vendor there who introduced him to the newspaper and the organization, and it was an instant fit.
He was quick to dole out praise for the wide net of people who contribute to the unseen work inside and outside the office.
“The volunteers, businesses and others who support Street Roots do so much behind the scenes — the resource guide books and all the other work — it really makes a difference,” he said.
He is looking forward to going back to selling Street Roots at his spot in front of Trinity Church at Northwest 19th Avenue and Everett Street, and eventually again at the Walgreens at Northeast Grand Avenue and Broadway Street.
“I miss my customers. Trinity Church has been helping me throughout the pandemic. They donate cans and bottles to me. At their last family breakfast, they sponsored a table for me. They are pretty great people — pretty darn near close to family.”
Rick is deeply invested in the Portland community. He grew up in the Sellwood neighborhood, and although he lived in North Dakota, Minnesota, Seattle and Denver, he is adamant that Portland is home, even as he quips that he always seems to choose the cold places to live.
“I love Portland in the summer. I love the water. I love to go camping, but I don’t get to do that much,” he said.
And like many other Portlanders, Rick shares a common love for the team that continues to dash dreams for its fans.
“I’m a die-hard Blazers fan. I’m excited to see Damian Lillard compete in the Olympics this year. I like watching basketball at the Olympics because it seems like it’s more about coming together in support of country instead of just individual efforts,” he said.
Almost apologetically, he added, “I’m also a Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan. It was fun to live in a three-sport town.”
Rick has a more personal connection to the Olympics — a story he describes as the best day of his life.
“I carried the Olympic torch through Portland on July 7, 1984. I was volunteer of the year for the Boys Club of Portland (now the Boys & Girls Clubs). I coached intramural sports teams there,” he said.
His mother died a week later, which was devastating. That wasn’t his only setback. He worked as a professional mover for most of his life, until he was injured.
Now housed through Central City Concern, his message is one of gratitude.
“I’m grateful for my health, and a roof over my head,” he said. “When I see my customers, it will be hard not to get a hug. It’s still not allowed (under the current pandemic safety measures), but it will be hard.”
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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