Street Roots vendor Karen Brown had veered away from writing, one of her lifelong passions, until she started selling the paper earlier this year. She credits the paper with getting her back into writing.
“I like the fact that they publish the vendors’ work,” Karen said. “That right there is cool. I like the different stories. I like that you guys are here for us.”
Years ago, she started a blog and took some classes at Portland Community College. Then life got unpredictable, and Karen turned her focus to other endeavors.
“I used to write a lot when I was younger," Karen said. "I turned to writing (a blog) to get through the grief of losing my son. (I) went back into the recluse mode and didn’t follow through with my blog."
Getting involved with Street Roots has helped Karen reenter social settings and regain financial stability. She is now housed and grateful for the opportunities afforded by Street Roots.
“It’s meant a lot,” Karen said. “It’s gotten me out of my house, I tend to recluse a lot. This has gotten me out and given me something to look forward to. Gotten me talking to people more, I wasn’t talking to anyone. It’s helped me financially greatly.”
Though she has found housing and takes comfort in the companionship of her cat, “Little Man,” Karen says she still experiences the aftermath of living on the streets.
“To be as self-conscious as I am, I still feel like people look at me like that," Karen said. "It’s not a good feeling, you just wanna scream I’m still human. I still have feelings.” Street Roots has provided a safe haven for Karen. Through the paper, she is growing a support system and gaining confidence even in the face of stigma. She hopes the paper will help raise awareness among readers about what it’s like to be homeless right now.
“We need more people and entities like Street Roots that are there for people,” Karen said. “People who are reading Street Roots need to be more aware of different aspects of being homeless. I would like to see more articles about people being homeless and understand that world.”
People who stop to buy a paper from Karen make her day. She’s especially grateful for her regulars.
“I want them to know I’m happy that they’re coming to me and helping me and helping Street Roots in general,” Karen said. “I have some regulars. That’s cool and makes me feel good.”
Despite the adversity she has encountered, Karen has faith in Portland and is gaining faith in herself.
“Portland is a great place no matter what people think. I stay strong — I have no idea, sometimes I think I’m not strong enough, but what I’ve been through has made me strong,” Karen said.
As Karen reclaims her love of writing, she plans to submit her latest poem, “Sidewalks,” for publication in Street Roots in the near future.
Karen sells Street Roots at the Safeway on Southeast Hawthorne and Southeast 28th Avenue from 1–7 p.m. on the weekends and sometimes during the week. You can also support Karen through
@StreetRoots Venmo by entering her name and badge number (888) 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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