After traveling throughout the United States, Derrick brings his skills to Street Roots as an ambassador
Street Roots vendor and ambassador Derrick Kunkel is drawn to exploring the world around him. He was bitten by the travel bug early, and spent the last 12 years traveling the United States, returning to Portland just a few months ago. His wanderlust led him to some important discoveries about himself and other people.
“My goal was to make it all the way to the east coast,” Derrick said. “I made it to a small town in Tennessee. I’d work for a bit, and get some money to fund my travel. The experience of traveling is going to be different for everyone. You get to learn how beautiful people are.
“Travel is healthy. You get to meet new friends, and it shows you that you’re not alone.”
Now back in Portland, Derrick is excited to be connected to Street Roots. He attended a vendor orientation and was quickly invited to become a Street Roots ambassador, an important role within the organization. Ambassadors work with up to 10 vendors at a time to coordinate outreach, including providing public health information related to COVID-19 and wildfires; creating community between housed and unhoused neighbors; and conducting surveys to inform policy and advocacy.
His own introspection and innate curiosity about others make him a perfect fit for engaging with other vendors, customers and houseless communities.
“Three years ago, I never would have never (been an Ambassador),” Derrick said. “Traveling gave me an eye-opening experience. As ambassador, I get to help people advocate for themselves. I was excited to be chosen and very grateful for the opportunity.”
While he’s adjusting to being back in Portland, he’s happy to be here and relieved to have found a good fit with Street Roots.
“Returning to Portland after 12 years feels a bit like culture shock — like I’m in a different country,” Derrick said. “It took a little time to reacquaint myself with this old city, with new things. Overall, Portland is a good place. I really feel like I found my place at Street Roots. I can bring all my skills and experience to help other people as well.”
And he’s got big plans for the future.
“Last year, I drafted a five-year plan,” he said. “This year my goal was to find a job and housing. I’ve managed to get temporary housing that I hope will help me get a more permanent situation. Next year, my goal is education. My parents encouraged me to go when I was younger. And I want to have my own business by the fourth year. I want a business that serves people and provides for needs — clothing, housing, food, education and work.”
His future may involve more traveling yet. He’s got a few favorites he’d like to go back to — the mountains in Arizona and Utah — and a new travel experience he’d like to have.
“I’d like to live on a boat … maybe a houseboat or maybe on the ocean,” he said.
As suits his itinerant nature, Derrick hasn’t yet settled on a particular spot to sell Street Roots. He has been exploring different areas, but may wind up settling on a spot in Clackamas. In the meantime, he can be found serving his community in his Street Roots ambassador role.
