Street Roots vendor Jim McRae is a staple around the Street Roots office and at his post at Sizzle Pie across the street from Powell’s Books, where he is known for his kindness and his positive attitude.
Jim started selling Street Roots six years ago. At the time, he was staying in a shelter and in need of money when a friend recommended he check out Street Roots.
After getting started, he quickly fell in love with the job.
“A lot of people read this paper and really appreciate it,” Jim said. “I’ve watched the paper change over the years, and I’m really happy that it’s expanding the way it is.”
His favorite part of the job is meeting customers.
“Whenever someone buys the paper, I always give them my honest thanks for their support,” he said. “It’s a good job, and I love doing it. I have a lot of fun.”
Jim has lived in Portland for 28 years. Over the years, he’s struggled with addiction and houselessness, and for many years he lived in a tent downtown and occasionally in Southeast.
Jim has been off of methamphetamine for a few months now, and he’s confident it’s going to stick this time.
“I’m just not into it anymore,” he said. “I got a lot of help, and I helped myself. When people see that you're trying to help yourself, help comes your way. Addiction can be a real mug. You find yourself all alone, broke and you got a habit that needs to be fed — that's the hardest part.”
For the past six months, Jim lived at the Value Inn near the Portland State campus thanks to some help from the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest.
He is grateful to have a roof over his head and a queen-sized bed. He sometimes wishes he could have visitors in his room, because he wants to help people who are struggling living outside, but he respects the rules, meaning no visitors.
Now, Jim is working on finding his own apartment.
“Things are working out for me, and I have Street Roots to thank for that,” he said. “Street Roots helps people be self-sufficient and independent.”
Jim currently sells Street Roots part-time. Selling the paper gives him an opportunity to meet people, and he likes to make a little extra money on the side. On his way to his post at Sizzle Pie, he likes to walk through downtown to admire Portland’s architecture.
“I like to check out buildings, I’m always seeing something new,” he said. “It’s a great, free activity.”
Jim is looking forward to sunny weather and doing some traveling this summer. A proud Sagittarius, he loves getting out and discovering new places.
For people just getting started at Street Roots, Jim has this advice: “Try not to get frustrated. If you stick with it, you will have good days. When others see you trying to help yourself, they'll be more apt to help you out.”
If you can't stop by Jim's post at Sizzle Pie, you can support him via @StreetRoots Venmo by entering his name and badge number (#302) in the notes.
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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