Street Roots took home five awards from the Society of Professional Journalists 2011 Journalism contest, including two first place awards.
Street Roots' landmark series on the links between traumatic brain injuries and homelessness received top honors in the social issues category for writers Stacy Brownhill and Kate Cox. The series examined the misdiagnosis and lack of research on traumatic brain injuries among people experiencing homelessness, as well as the challenges to treating such injuries while living on the streets.
Managing Editor Joanne Zuhl received first place honors for her interview with artist Max Ginsburg, a realist painter who projects his anti-war position in his often controversial images.
Street Roots writer Amanda Waldroupe was awarded for her report on people in poverty and homelessness living with HIV/AIDS. Waldroupe also was honored for her report on new guidelines surrounding inmates serving time in the Oregon State Hospital.
Brownhill also was honored for her report on the financial burden faced by low-income families when it comes time to bury a loved one.
Street Roots competed against non-daily publications throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington with a circulation greater than 8,000.