Vendor Zale L. has been selling Street Roots for only two months, but already he captures the magic of Street Roots. And he’s made a big difference in his community as well.
“I had been homeless for about six months. I had asked another vendor about Street Roots — that’s how I found out about it. I enjoyed it right off the bat. I like what’s being talked about in the news; that makes me feel good about what I’m selling,” Zale said.
He said he was surprised about how quickly he became part of a community, even with the challenges of working through the pandemic. “I wish people could see my smile. Now, I just use words to translate it,” he said, noting the ways he connects with his customers, even through a mask. He also draws customers in by coloring the front page of the current issue of Street Roots. “It’s meditative and I think it helps me sell more.”
Zale first came to Portland seven years ago as a participant in a job training program. His childhood was spent splitting his time in Yuma, Arizona and Seattle.
“I knew I always wanted to come back to Portland. Portland has my heart. It’s the people and attitudes of Portland. I love it here. I like that there is so much creativity and how progressive it is. People are able to express themselves. I love the bike lanes, and I love skating. I like getting around with my feet,” he said.
And Zale appreciates the opportunity to work with Street Roots. “Street Roots is beyond employment. It’s working with others in similar situations as me; it’s a great support network. It’s a way to be an activist without having to yell a lot,” Zale said.
Giving back to his community is one of his core values, which he strives to live each day. Fresh off a stint making mashed potatoes for a shared holiday meal at the shelter where he currently lives, he excitedly listed his hot tips for fluffy mashed potatoes. “You have to boil them first, then halfway through, add milk and butter, and then just a little bit of salt.”
“I do what I can to be charitable. I find ways to give back myself. I am grateful for the charity I receive and I like to do what I can to keep the cycle going,” he said. “I’ve learned that I can be a part of the work of Street Roots. I can write poetry and publish it and participate in writing workshops.”
And he’s grateful for the relationships he’s formed where he sells Street Roots, outside Helen Bernhard Bakery in the Irvington neighborhood. He said the community is generous, supportive and engaged. He certainly appreciates the coffee he gets there.
“I’m looking forward to the optimism that comes out of the holidays. I like all the positive energy and giving,” he said.
Zale is optimistic about his own future. The budding journalist carries a composition book around with him and is reading a few books on journalism.
“A year from now, I hope to get into the housing that I’m applying for- and I’m very interested in getting into martial arts and close contact sports,” he said. “And maybe some type of romantic relationship?” he ventured softly. “Not sure about that, not sure what life has to offer me,” he said. “If I had a place, I’d like to get a dog. That would be a good goal. Dogs are my favorite,” he said.
Zale sells Street Roots most days, starting around 10 am on Northeast 17th Avenue and Broadway, outside of Helen Bernhard Bakery.