By Joanne Zuhl, Staff writer

Oregon’s Housing and Community Services department is arguably not the most glamorous in state government. But it’s definitely an eye catcher: 49 separate programs and 64 funding sources, with myriad compliance and reporting systems that, in essence, are driving the state’s policies around poverty and housing.

Street Roots received three first place, and one, second place award this weekend from Oregon/Southwest Washington Society of Professional Journalists.

Managing Editor Joanne Zuhl took home first place for "Investigative reporting," for her reporting on homeless deaths with "Domicile Unknown." Street Roots has help lead the conversation on homeless deaths in Multnomah County for more than four years through our reporting and advocacy. 

By David Rogers, Contributing Columnist

Gov. John Kitzhaber convened a diverse set of public safety system stakeholders to examine ways Oregon could improve public safety while also reducing prison spending. The governor’s Commission on Public Safety examined an immense amount of data and research to understand what was and wasn’t working within Oregon’s approach to crime as well as what national best practices are. They released their recommendations in December of 2012 and received a wide range of support, but District Attorneys are staunch and vocal opponents.

By Israel Bayer, Staff Writer

Street Roots has been very busy on the homeless advocacy and policy front as of late.

Street Roots, along with many of our partners are helping lead the, “We are the Safety Net” campaign. The campaign has worked very hard to secure local funding for homeless and housing services. 

The campaign worked with people experiencing poverty to tell a broader narrative through social media about obtaining housing and accessing services. At the same time, the coalition worked very hard with local officials to help secure funding.

By Sue Zalokar, Staff Writer

Corb Lund hails from a long line of cowboys. He grew up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada, went to college to study bass and jazz guitar and found himself playing bass in a hard rock/metal band for over a decade. These days, he fronts his own country roots band, Corb Lund and the Hurtin’ Albertans.