Leo Rhodes offers advice to the next generation of community organizers
Persistent, gritty, tenacious. Those are just a few words describing longtime Street Roots vendor, board member and advocate Leo Rhodes, a consistent fixture at City Hall, the Street Roots office and his beloved Northeast Portland.
Leo’s advocacy career spans decades, and he is an important voice in policy conversations on homeless issues in Portland, using both his lived experience and his community organizing background to drive results.
“If I’m told I can’t do something, it makes me want to do it more,” he said. “When my batteries are low, and you see the power of a person transformed — they have housing, a partner, a job — that’s what charges my batteries. It’s the success stories.”
His storied advocacy career has taken many twists and turns. Homeless on and off from the late 1980s to 2011, Leo became unhoused following his service in the military. Although his military testing showed an aptitude for electronics and technology, Leo opted to become an infantryman.
“They tried to talk me out of it,” he said. “I wouldn’t give in. I’m stubborn. It gets me through a lot, especially in my advocacy work.”
Following his military service, he said it was hard to find a job and was told, “we don’t want killers.” That was how he became homeless the first time. Housed since December 2011, he receives support from the Veterans Administration and Home Forward agencies.
Leo credits his own experiences of homelessness for the insight and the ability to effectively advocate for the policies he cares so deeply about. As a member of Street Roots’ board, Leo helps set policy direction for the organization.
“It’s really hard to try to change people’s perspective — from what I see versus what they think they already know,” he said. “Having a homeless person with lived experience on the board is one of the ways Street Roots invests in ways to bridge the gap.”
He extends this to his work directly with policymakers as well.
“Having someone with lived experience with homelessness is important because the need is so great and (they can help) connect the solution to the human suffering,” he said. “Homeless people need direct access to policymakers.”
Leo also mentors the next generation of community organizers, lending his skills and talent to help others become successful advocates. He offers some tips worthy of an advanced course on policy advocacy:
- Never give up. Be tenacious and persistent.
- Be really creative in how you convey your messages because, eventually, they will resonate with someone. Sometimes it’s about planting a seed.
- Believe in yourself. They will do whatever they can to bring you down. Stick to your guns.
- Know who you’re speaking to — that’s how you know who is with you and who is against you.
- Listen and be open-minded. Seek to understand.
And for decision-makers and housed people, Leo says to acknowledge the existence of homeless people.
“Smiles don’t cost you anything, but it brings so much to the lives of homeless people,” Leo said. “Everyone just wants to feel seen.”
Leo first connected with Street Roots in 2009 after moving to Portland from Seattle, where he sold Seattle’s street paper Real Change. Since then, he’s been a constant presence — writing columns, coaching advocates, serving on the board, writing poetry and selling papers.
“Street Roots means a lot to me,” Leo said. “It is a lifesaver. Through their advocacy, they show the humanity of homeless people. People develop relationships with their vendors. It provides a face to homelessness.”
Leo Rhodes can be found selling Street Roots outside of Whole Foods on Northeast 43rd Avenue and Sandy Boulevard or at the Hollywood Farmers Market on Sundays. Leo can also be supported via @StreetRoots Venmo by entering his name and badge number (356) 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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