Tory's best tool for understanding the world? Books. Tory Breise is friendly and curious, and he has 2,000 books on his Kindle. “I like to go around and look at things, talk to people and see what’s going on,” Tory said. “But most of the ideas that ...
19 Jan 2017 - Leonora Ko
Jason, who served with AmeriCorps, has a career background in food service and employment training Jason Everly came to Portland more than 17 years ago to do service with AmeriCorps. “It was one of the hardest, but one of the best, things that I ever did ...
5 Jan 2017 - Leonora Ko
Just saying good morning goes a long way, Peter says Peter Polzer is a people person with a sure sense of salesmanship that is helping him toward a better future. His years as a furniture salesman make selling Street Roots a natural fit. “The main tool to ...
19 Dec 2016 - Leonora Ko
Shawn uses his negative experiences to help others heal Shawn Knight is smart as a whip and taking steady steps to get off the street. He was born in Ohio and grew up in Texas. “I’ve been an electronics geek since I was a kid,” Shawn said. “When I was 8 ...
1 Dec 2016 - Leonora Ko
Deidra has developed healthier relationships and has regained her independence Deidra Youngerman, or “Peaches,” has an easygoing manner and laugh that has helped her make friends around the world. “I was born in Greenwood, South Carolina,” said Deidra. “B ...
28 Nov 2016 - Leonora Ko
Michelle is getting back on track with a positive attitude and community support Michelle H. is a strong and endearing woman who has a lot to smile about these days. But a year ago, she was in a very different place, both physically and mentally. She was ...
3 Nov 2016 - Leonora Ko
Seeing other Street Roots vendors get housing has inspired Elijah Elijah Michel has a drive for hard work and happiness, and it’s paying off in Portland. “I work in a survey place,” Elijah said with a big smile. “After about two weeks of (working as a tem ...
27 Oct 2016 - Leonora Ko
Day labor is fine for David in the short term, but his goal is to find a full-time construction job David King likes to send gift boxes to his kids. “I do travel for work,” David said. “I’ll send them a box full of goodies. Little trinkets. Toys, cap guns ...
8 Sep 2016 - Leonora Ko
Mark, who worked for decades as a therapist, says Street Roots has helped lift his spirits after a devastating loss When it comes to jobs, Mark Soine is a quick study. To earn a living, he has played keyboards, worked in accounting and counseled clients. ...
4 Sep 2016 - Leonora Ko
Ron's advice to other vendors: look up, smile, be nice It was 1963 and Ron Britt was a teenager who had just moved from the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco to his parents’ home on Corbett Street in Portland. “I was in the first hippie moveme ...
14 Aug 2016 - Leonora Ko