The holidays are upon us. We want to wish everyone at Street Roots a very happy holiday!
This year has been a big one at Street Roots. This time last year we were gearing up to go from a biweekly publication to a weekly publication. With your support we began publishing weekly on Jan. 1.
Readers have responded with overwhelming support. The quality of the newspaper remains at an all-time high. We’ve gone from serving around 70 vendors to serving more than 140 individuals and families in our community. We now work with more than 70 local businesses to support vendors selling the newspaper.
John Conlin, the store manager for Food Front Cooperative Grocery in Hillsdale has this to say about Street Roots vendor John Brown, “I get to see the awesome interactions he shares with all of our customers. Everyone loves John, and they all take a moment from their busy days to share a smile or a few words with him. And every day, with every person he encounters, John gives a genuine, warm smile and a kind word, subtly reminding all of us that we are all on the same team. That each one of us matters and that we can make our lives, our communities and our world better if we all just take a moment to see with better eyes and try to connect with those we encounter along our paths.”
Vendors selling the newspaper, businesses and readers create a sense of community year-round, but it’s during the holidays that your support of Street Roots is amazing, truly amazing.
This month, Street Roots vendors will be selling a special 24-page zine of street poetry. The cost is $4. The theme of the zine is, “What makes life beautiful.” Not only will the zine give readers a new outlook on the lives of people experiencing homelessness and poverty, it will also give vendors a boost of income during the holidays.
People on the streets who sell Street Roots do extraordinary things to survive. Readers do extraordinary things to support vendors. It’s a win-win, and something we don’t take for granted.
Street Roots isn’t your typical charity. In fact, we aren’t a charity at all.
Street Roots is a nonprofit newspaper. One that delivers award-winning quality journalism on issues that matter. Street Roots is an immediate income opportunity for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. We believe in humanity.
Street Roots is a messenger during hard times and distress. Each year, we distribute 160,000 Rose City Resource guides to more than 400 community institutions. It is the most comprehensive list of services available to the poor. Street Roots is a social justice change maker. One that fights for solutions and says what others won’t say.
Street Roots is a small train that carries a heavy load.
We appreciate your love and it’s something we don’t take for granted. Your investment in Street Roots is a wise one. Your donation to Street Roots goes directly back into the community.
Besides supporting vendors in the community this holiday season, you can also support Street Roots through the Willamette Week Give!Guide or by mailing a check to Street Roots, 211 NW Davis, Portland, OR. 97209. Also consider a recurring donation to the organization at streetroots.org. It all matters and we can’t do this work without you.
Thank you Portland. We love you!