Homeless on and off for years, Eileen was determined to get an apartment. And now, she has. It’s a brand-new feeling for Eileen Vizenor, walking across a sunny park in downtown Portland, free of carrying her backpacked belongings with her. “Hi, Eileen. W ...
6 Sep 2019 - Robin Havenick
A pursuit of knowledge is what drives Peter In our creative writing circle at Street Roots, Peter Salzmann is a star. He is a regular member, appreciated not only for his inspiring poetic responses to our weekly prompts, but also for his gentle creative l ...
13 Sep 2019 - Robin Havenick
Alex confronts hardship with humor and courage Alex embodies the kind of strength and courage of a woman who has experienced violence (abuse, rape, poverty) and not only survived but triumphed. Little wonder her Portland friends know her as Mamma Lioness. ...
27 Sep 2019 - Robin Havenick
Shelter living has separated Celeste from her partner, but she's optimistic they'll have a home together again There are some people who have a gift of drawing out the kindness in others. Celeste Elizabeth Blair has that gift. Maybe it’s because ...
25 Oct 2019 - Robin Havenick
Having been in their shoes, Gary volunteers with organizations that help people experiencing homelessness Gary Serventi is a storyteller with an extraordinary memory of his adventurous life’s details. “You’re gonna love this” is a steady refrain. His sto ...
8 Nov 2019 - Robin Havenick
Ron lost everything — for the second time — when he arrived in Portland, but he is back on track He was born at midnight during a hailstorm in Nashville, Tenn. In his 54 years, Ron Coulson has zigzagged across the country several times, working primarily ...
24 Jan 2020 - Robin Havenick
Magpie Blue is an environmentalist and an advocate for people living in poverty Magpie Blue is a model for how to live simply. She can show us how to make full use of what surrounds us, how to live in peace and harmony with the universe. “I can’t believe ...
14 Feb 2020 - Robin Havenick
For Asonya, positivity means feeling free from a life of drugs and also contributing to her community “We only have what we give,” wrote the Chilean author Isabel Allende. “It’s by spending yourself that you become rich.” It’s that kind of truth that Aso ...
23 Mar 2020 - Robin Havenick
Gary says racism has become a problem in Portland, but Street Roots has been a bright spot Not long ago, before the coronavirus epidemic took hold, Gary Barker was working the games at the Stanford Stadium, selling hot dogs. When Oregon fans were in the s ...
1 Apr 2020 - Robin Havenick
Soon after Alex joined Street Roots, he became part of the Coronavirus Prevention and Action Team, taking resources to people on the streets Alex Rodriguez is new to Portland and new to Street Roots, but he’s not new to being homeless. When he came to Por ...
20 Apr 2020 - Robin Havenick