Coming from Florida, Sheamus explores what Portland has in store for him
Street Roots vendor and avid longboarder Sheamus Kirk may be new to both longboarding and Street Roots, but he approaches both with passion and commitment.
Most recently from Florida, he came to Portland and settled into working at Street Roots soon after.
“When I first came to Portland, I was staying in the Connect program, and I connected with Street Roots and got connected to the action team,” Sheamus said. “I was ecstatic to be able to work with Street Roots. My first role was to help get the basement organized, and I did some work upstairs too — cleaning, mail, office work. I like keeping things organized — it’s my cup of tea. Except I like coffee better; it’s my favorite.”
Although Sheamus is from the southeast, he’s become a fan of Portland.
“I like a lot of things about Portland,” he said. “The people are great. I’m from a rural area of Georgia originally. So I tend to greet everyone. I find people here are more openminded and willing to agree to disagree.”
Sheamus has a lot of skills. He worked as a package supply handler for a while and can use most tools and do most types of projects. He’s also good with computers.
“When I get interested in something, I go all in,” he said. “I do macrame. I love that. I’d love to do that for a job. It’s so fun. I can make those knots for hours, and do other things. It’s something to keep my hands busy.”
But it’s when he starts talking about longboarding that he really lights up.
“On my 27th birthday, my friend gave me a longboard and I haven’t stopped since,” Sheamus said. “I love finding the most ridiculous scary hills to bomb. It takes me twenty minutes to climb up and five seconds to get down. I see a future with a GoPro camera and a YouTube channel. When I start, I throw my board and run and catch up and jump on it. I like a challenge.”
Sheamus has been a vendor for a little less than a year. His current spot is selling in front of Peterson’s Grocery on Southwest Harvey Milk Street and 12th Avenue. But, he said he hasn’t been selling papers as much lately, because he’s had some anxiety. He’s lost a lot of confidence after a particularly tough year.
He broke his leg, and a friend who he describes as his “best friend who broke (his) heart,” died.
“It broke me,” Sheamus said. “It broke me hard. She was witty, funny, crazy. I haven’t quite found my way back yet. She was my friend Luna. I never told her this, but I always thought of her as my moon.”
Sheamus has found peace and comfort in his routine. He said he’s very slowly regaining his confidence.
“I’m waking up every morning (and) I start with an adrenaline rush bombing a hill, and trying not to fall,” he said. “(I’m) looking forward to figuring out why I came to Portland. Not my personal reasons, more my meaning and purpose for being here. What’s fate or destiny’s goal for me being here? What things am I going to accomplish?”
For now, Street Roots is where he wants to be.
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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