First-ever ‘New Paper Day’ at new Street Roots office

Street Roots held its first “New Paper Day” in its new Burnside Building on Oct. 23.

It was a historic moment for vendors, staff, volunteers and supporters who turned out in droves to help transfer bundles of the Oct. 23 issue from a curbside pallet to the 281 W. Burnside St. lobby.

The event capped an ambitious expansion project, which included purchasing and renovating the 4,000-square-foot Wax building on the corner of Northwest Third Avenue and West Burnside Street.

Holst Architecture carried out the renovation with Street Roots’ and other nonprofits’ advice, resulting in sound dampening, soothing color schemes, soft lighting and correct ergonomics for trauma-informed design. A “flight crew” of vendors worked on furniture and art for the interior décor.

“Much better than the old place,” longtime vendor Dale B., who uses a walker, said. “There’s more space, more light, a library, a coffee bar and tables to sit at and relax while plugging in to charge the phone. The doors are automatic, so I don’t have to pull them to open, and there are two bathrooms now.”

The roof includes a classroom and a rooftop patio, the second floor houses offices and the first floor holds the vendor office. A coordinator will manage the eagerly anticipated wellness center in the basement, overseeing the use of showers, laundry services and vanities.

“It was well worth the wait,” vendor program manager Carly Ng said. “Now vendors can come here for everything instead of riding the bus to find services.”

It is difficult to gauge how many vendors Street Roots can serve at this expanded, welcoming facility, but Ng expects the number to grow.

“We’re scrappy, but we don’t have to look scrappy,” she said.

Street Roots vendors and staff (above) filter into New Paper Day, the first at Street Roots’ new location on W. Burnside Street Oct. 23.

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.

This article appears in October 30, 2024.