Nicole Pater and her dog made their way to Portland from Dallas, Texas three months ago. Her eyes set on a fresh start, Nicole unexpectedly lost all of her belongings when she was robbed on her first day in town. That’s when she found out about Street Roots.
“Someone told me about Street Roots,” Nicole said. “It’s given me the ability to earn an income and remain independent.”
Nicole has been a vendor her entire three months in Portland. The Street Roots community has made what could have been a harrowing transition to Portland one filled with support instead.
“The Street Roots community is a different vibe from anywhere else on the street,” Nicole said. “It’s being a family to one another. A lot of us, we don’t have a family.”
Since she was a child, Nicole knew she wanted to help people. Her childhood dream was to be a psychologist. Nicole carries the passion to help others with her to this day.
“I’ve dedicated my life to working with addicts in my own way,” Nicole said.
That’s part of what brought her to Portland. When Nicole found out the city had legalized drugs, she knew help would be needed. Nicole has been clean for over five years and has dealt with addiction in her family. Nicole dedicates much of her time to simply listening to those struggling with addiction.
“What I can do is meet people where they’re at, where I’m at. Sometimes all you can do is just share a little light with them,” Nicole said.
Nicole feels grateful for all the experiences that have led her to where she is today, especially the difficult ones. She uses what she’s learned from those experiences to help others heal.
“I’ve dedicated my life to helping humanity while I’m here,” Nicole said. “It’s the purpose of my birth and all the pain and suffering that I went through. Give it meaning by helping someone else.”
She credits Street Roots with allowing her to pursue that goal in Portland.
“If I hadn’t found Street Roots so quickly, I’m really not sure; I don’t see how I would have been able to provide for myself and my dog,” Nicole said. “It gives people a sense of self-respect, dignity and confidence. And an ability to remain independent.”
Nicole’s advice to others is “to always have compassion because you never know what someone’s been through.” Nicole lives this advice by being a light in the lives of those around her.
Nicole sells Street Roots at the Plaid Pantry in Gresham off 102nd Street. You can also support Nicole through
@StreetRoots Venmo by entering her name and badge number (779) in the notes.
Street Roots is an award-winning weekly investigative publication covering economic, environmental and social inequity. 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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