When Dirk Benson sits down in the Street Roots office, his priority is to plug in his aging cellphone. There’s no electricity in his hut at Dignity Village, and the phone is a lifeline to the two most important things in his life: his faraway family and a ...
15 Mar 2015 - Leonora Ko
Jermaine Johnson likes living in a place that has low crime and no hurricanes. He lived through Hurricane Katrina, with his home knocked off its foundation, alligators in the streets, and a local man robbed and shot for his shoes. When Jermaine moved to S ...
27 Mar 2015 - Leonora Ko
Dave Shoop and his brother, Daryl, are identical twins. “We’re exactly the same size, the same weight. People seem to get a kick out of it, which is something I enjoy,” says Dave. Their mother loved dressing them alike, but when they got older, he says, ...
23 Apr 2015 - Leonora Ko
John Munro has worked in some of the most picturesque places in the country. “I’ve seen a lot of America. It’s got a lot of beautiful scenery,” John says. “I remember going out on the Gulf of Mexico, (working) where British Petroleum is. If you’re starvin ...
14 May 2015 - Leonora Ko
The activist talks home, activism and engagement from the streets When Amber Dunks sits down for her interview, she is clearly exhausted. She explains that while her fiancé has a job, he returns late, and last night they had a difficult time finding a s ...
29 May 2015 - Leonora Ko
"The houseless community is full of all different types of people, but the key is that we’re people" Brian Castor is houseless and a model neighbor. “I keep my roll military-tight, so everything is straight and even. Both me and my girl have OCD ...
6 Jul 2015 - Leonora Ko
Michael Krieger has an electrifying connection to a popular reality show. “You ever hear of that guy?” Michael asks. “The Cake Boss? He’s on TLC.” He explains: “I’m an electrician by trade. (The Cake Boss) has a huge building where he makes all of his pas ...
20 Jul 2015 - Leonora Ko
25-year-old vendor is getting back on his feet Garret O’Malley was born and raised in Portland. He is 25 years old, smart and hardworking. And he is homeless. While it is difficult for Garret to talk about his current situation, he easily talks about his ...
22 Oct 2015 - Leonora Ko
Janick Webb doesn’t dwell on his health issues and stays positive. Janick Webb is a life coach. He just happens to be on the street when he practices. “So many people with mental health problems really should not be on the streets,” Janick said. “For inst ...
19 Nov 2015 - Leonora Ko
Krystal says Street Roots provides structure, helps her stay clean Krystal Jordan has strong women in her life and is becoming a strong and wise woman herself. It has been a long journey. “I was born and raised in Portland,” Krystal said. “I didn’t exactl ...
31 Dec 2015 - Leonora Ko