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
Street Roots vendors share their experiences with aging while unhoused The streets are getting grayer. The proportion of elderly people experiencing poverty and homelessness has risen by more than 20% in the past 15 years, according to the U.S. Department ...
1 Nov 2019 - Helen Hill
Stephen cares for Molly, and Molly helps Stephen sell newspapers Stephen and his Chiweenie (Chihuahua and dachshund mix) companion, Molly, make an inseparable pair. Both have stories that intersected at the right time, and the love between them is apparen ...
1 Nov 2019 - Jessica Hamilton
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
Daniel demonstrates the value of unconditional giving New Portland resident Daniel H. came here on a whim six months ago. “I’ve gone wherever the wind blows me. I crave adventure. I have a passion for experiences,” he said. His drive, passion and grit l ...
18 Oct 2019 - Jessica Hamilton
After finding the brother his mother put up for adoption, Vern is also back in touch with another estranged brother By the time he found his brother Brian, Vern Hannigan had pretty much decided he’d never have a family again. His mom and stepdad were gone ...
11 Oct 2019 - Pat Zimmer
EILEEN VIZENOR | Why it's important to have a creative writing class at Street Roots – plus vendor poetry celebrating Street Roots' 20th anniversary I was asked, “Why is it so important to have a creative writing class at Street Roots?” Where d ...
4 Oct 2019 - Eileen Vizenor
DAN NEWTH | The best part of my day is seeing people smile as they greet me My first experience selling Street Roots in 2002 was alienating at first. I was a stranger interrupting other strangers. It took me three days to sell my first 10 papers. If not f ...
4 Oct 2019 - Dan Newth
Several Street Roots vendors explain how their faith informs their decisions, their relationships, their outlook and more Many Street Roots vendors described their personal faith as the most important consideration in their lives, more important even than ...
27 Sep 2019 - Helen Hill
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