“I’m grateful for the community around me. Those who buy Street Roots,
those who smile or give me a nod for the work I do selling SR. And I’m
grateful too for the work SR does. Coming into the Street Roots office
is a blessing.”
— Marlon Crump
"I'm grateful for my housing, for my family, for my friends and am hoping for peace in the next year.”
— Wayne Moore
“I look forward to getting off the streets in the next year. Four walls sound good.”
— George Burdine
“I’m grateful for community — having the brotherhood and sisterhood of the houseless community who have helped me get through the last year.”
— Courtney R.
“I want to thank all my customers who have supported me the last five years at Southwest 10th Avenue and Washington. They have made it another great year.”
— Skip Haggett
“I’m hoping for a Packer resurgence next season. We could use some defense. And I’m grateful to work for Street Roots.”
— Tony Boone
“I’m grateful for my friends. They make sure that I don’t go hungry.”
— Millard Gulledge
“I’m grateful to be sober for more than 20 months and to have reconnected with my kids.”
— George Ellars
“I’m grateful for friends and for my husband and for the simple things in life: the things we all enjoy and have in common with each other, like music. What would life be without music?”
— Melissa Walsh
“I’m grateful for my health! And to have signed up for insurance!”
— Larry Keith Montgomery
“I want to thank all my customers and, moreover, all readers for supporting the paper!”
— Chandler Jacoby
“I’m grateful that I have a place to live.”
— Wyman Wilson
“I’m grateful for St. Stephens and the opportunity they give me to volunteer and be connected with other things like Operation Nightwatch and the Underground. It’s pretty much my home base now. I’m also thankful for HomePDX. They all keep me busy.”
— William Adams
“I’m grateful for my Portland family. I accomplished a lot this last year and I’m glad I made it to Portland before the end of 2013. Getting here was my major goal. And now I want to keep writing, keep journaling and see where the breeze takes me.”
— Kenneth Nickell
“I’d like to wish my customers a Merry Christmas and even better luck next year!”
— David Somers
I am thankful and grateful for being a Street Roots vendor! Street Roots is a hand up, not a hand out.
Upon arriving in Portland from Denver, I was homeless. I met a vendor sleeping where I chose to make camp. He directed me to Street Roots. I did the orientation and from there I was on my way. I was then directed to Transition Projects. I took my T.B. test (negative), did a vendor orientation and I was then on my way to living inside.
I took to sleeping in the Street Roots doorway. My number had been called at Transition Projects! I did my job there, stayed sober and volunteered for kitchen duties. I am a chef by trade. I then went and put in apartment applications. Three months and three hours later I signed my lease at Hamilton West apartments with the condition of taking the first room that became available, which I did. After a year there I had to move. My new place is perfect.
I am finally inside after being homeless for 10 years plus. In the time I have been inside I have been struggling with my disease. I have since been reacquainted with some old friends I haven’t seen in 10 or 15 years. Bill W. and Dr. Bob were happy to see me again, as I was happy to see them. I then decided I would surrender, because I would die on the street if I didn’t.
I’m thankful my mom and brother come to visit from Florida. I had not seen them since I was brought out of my medically induced coma for injuries suffered in a severe car accident. She offered to help with the expenses! I love her dearly for that since I hadn’t been able to smile since my wreck. I am smiling today and damn proud of it. I wish all who read this a very happy Holiday Season!
I am really grateful, happy and thankful for all the following who are giving me the support and strength to stay sober: the editorial staff at the Street Roots office, the staff members at Transition Projects that tolerated my B.S; Elish Enochian and fellow vendor Raymond Thornton, who lends an ear and gives feedback.
— Jim Dienes
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