Israel Bayer | Street Roots

Director's Desk: What’s happening on the homeless front

by Israel Bayer | 25 Feb 2016

From the Legislature to the Portland mayor's office to you

It’s a question I get a lot:

Israel, can you explain to me what’s going on out there?

Let’s start with Salem.

Housing legislation is moving forward on important eviction protections, inclusionary zoning, and investments for homeless and housing services.

Is it the package we wanted? No. Will it move the issue forward? Yes.

The new housing legislation will allow for incremental changes and let local governments create a pathway for more revenue for affordable housing and provide minimal support for tenants.
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Director’s Desk: We’re inviting ourselves inside your home

by Israel Bayer | 11 Feb 2016

It’s not easy being homeless. Just imagine.

A student asked me this week why some of the homeless camps are so hard to keep clean.

I asked the student to imagine: The entire world stepped inside your home at this very moment. Not just anyone, but everyone. The evening news, elected officials, neighbors and friends. Strangers took photos of you and all your belongings, especially your mess. I hope you’re presentable. They ask you questions about how you’re living and if you chose the life you live.
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Director’s Desk: It's time to take action on housing in Oregon

by Israel Bayer | 28 Jan 2016

People ask: Does my voice matter? Yes, it does.

It’s hard to put into words the trauma we see on the streets every day, much less how it has affected my peers and me over the years. It pales in comparison to how it actually affects the people that go through the hell that is losing a home and experiencing homelessness.

Sadly, I could tell you story after story of tragedy and heartbreak on the streets. The stories are both endless and horrifying. Life is desperate for many.
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Director’s Desk: It's time for inclusionary housing option in Oregon

by Israel Bayer | 21 Jan 2016

Lifting Oregon's ban on inclusionary zoning is key to finding a solution

Inclusionary zoning. You’ve heard about it, but what exactly is it? And why is it so important in addressing our current housing crisis in Oregon?

Inclusionary zoning links the production of affordable housing to the production of market-rate housing. The policy requires new residential developments include a certain number of affordable housing units.

Unfortunately, inclusionary zoning is banned in both Oregon and Texas. I’m sure there’s a Texas joke in there somewhere, but Oregon’s housing crisis is no laughing matter.
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Director's Desk: Support Street Roots by spreading the word

by Israel Bayer | 31 Dec 2015

Organization’s success depends on relationships, community

Street Roots is celebrating the first anniversary of being a weekly publication. Only the fourth street newspaper around the globe to be a weekly publication, we are proud of the work we have been able to accomplish. We couldn’t do it without you, Portland.

We ask Portlanders to support Street Roots and vendors, and you have responded overwhelmingly. Overall, sales for vendors have increased by 65 percent. We hope to continue to grow both the vendor program and newspaper appeal to readers in 2016.
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Director’s Desk: Portland's housing crisis, today and tomorrow

by Israel Bayer | 23 Dec 2015

A year-end roundup of what’s shaking on the homeless and housing front

People ask Street Roots why we aren’t covering more of the housing crisis in the newspaper. It’s a simple answer for a complex problem: We pride ourselves on publishing original content.

Every media outlet in town is covering the issue. Oregon Public Broadcasting, the Portland Mercury, the Portland Tribune, Willamette Week and The Oregonian — they are all running with stories about the current housing crisis. Sometimes the same story told in a slightly different way.
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Director’s Desk: This is how you can help Street Roots vendors

by Israel Bayer | 17 Dec 2015

It may be raining, but our vendors are shining bright

With the holidays upon us, it has not been an easy month for Street Roots vendors. Record-breaking rainfall has all but stopped sales of the newspaper on a couple of days, and that never happens. It’s a bummer because December is typically the vendors’ best sales month. Readers and supporters have responded with great care and love. It’s much appreciated.
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Director's Desk: America's homeless emergency is mandmade. It can be solved.

by Israel Bayer | 10 Dec 2015

The federal government needs to step up on homeless funding, policies

Homelessness is hell, especially during the winter months.

This past week, during one of the downpours, I witnessed a homeless woman so soaked to the bone that she simply sat down in the middle of the sidewalk, took off all her clothes and said, “I give up. God, please take me.”

It was a sad affair.

As I called for help, people walked by, some making snide comments, others with horrified looks on their faces, having witnessed such human suffering.
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Director's Desk: Sharing the holiday spirit with readers, vendors alike

by Israel Bayer | 7 Dec 2015

Street Roots is a small train that carries a heavy load

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.
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Portland Mayor Charlie Hales on climate change, homelessness

by Israel Bayer | 25 Nov 2015

Less than two weeks before hosting a West Coast summit of his peers, Portland’s mayor talks about the critical agenda items.

Street Roots recently sat down with Portland Mayor Charlie Hales and talked about homelessness and climate change. Hales will be joining mayors from Eugene, Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco in a summit on the subjects Dec. 11 and 12 in Portland.
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