In his own words, Mark is an artist and a goal setter, with a strong desire to carry through and accomplish his goals, no matter how long it takes.
Mark began working toward a college degree in his hometown of Santa Barbara when he was 21, but “life happened.” Thirty years later, he finally completed his goal and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human resources from Simpson University in Redding, Calif.
As a younger man, Mark was a swimmer and a dancer, and for more than 10 years, he worked as a certified nursing attendant in homes for the elderly. In addition to doing daily care, he loved talking with his patients and learning stories about their lives.
“They always had something nice to say. They were so sweet,” he said.
He bonded with many of them and still remembers words of wisdom from his favorites: “Don’t criticize, don’t condemn, and always put something in your purse for later.
“When they died, part of me went with them,” he said.
Mark has encountered many damaging stereotypes. He’s experienced racism – he is of Mexican descent – and the stigma of being part of a transient family.
“I was like a little duck that was lost,” he said. “I never fit in.”
In the summer, Mark bought a bus ticket from Redding to Portland in search of better work opportunities. Just before he left, however, his identification was stolen. When he got to Portland, he was told he couldn’t rent a room without ID, so he fell asleep on the steps of a church on Burnside. The next day, he made his way to the Portland Rescue Mission, where he now has a bed. He’s working on getting housing, and said it’s looking good.
“All the effort I’ve put in is coming back,” he said. “Portland has shown me nothing but good things.”
Mark was having a meal in Blanchet House this summer when he heard people talking about Street Roots. He went through orientation and started selling papers at West Burnside and 19th Avenue. He’s been able to make enough money to meet his daily needs.
“I never expected to find such an oasis and a place of nourishment and refreshment,” Mark said of Street Roots. “They treat you like a valued employee, and it helps maintain my dignity, because I don’t know how to beg.”
With his basic needs are taken care of, Mark said, “I am at the point now where I can help other people, too.”