Irene says she is keeping it simple and keeping the faith.
She began selling newspapers with Street Roots “to simplify my life and not be aggressive about it. It puts a little money in my pocket. In the future, maybe I’ll get another job and have enough money to pay my rent. But for now I really want it to be simple.”
When asked about future hopes, Irene said simply: “I have faith.”
Sometimes she feels down, but Irene said her dogs get her out of her home and into the outdoors. Irene grew up in Beaverton and says the whole area is gorgeous.
“I love nature,” said Irene. “I love snow. I love all seasons. Rain – it’s very peaceful. I walk around and observe stuff. I take my dogs with me and we walk together.”
Irene said Street Roots also gets her out and about.
When she goes to the Street Roots office, Irene said: “(The staff) are good to their vendors. They always say ‘hi’ and have a positive attitude. They don’t look down on whoever comes in with their backpacks.”
Irene sells Street Roots at Pip’s Original Donuts at Northeast Fremont Street and 48th Avenue.
As a former bartender, she is used to being a listening ear for customers.
“People will approach me and I’ll sit and talk with them, I enjoy doing that,” said Irene. “Or listening to them. The ones I really enjoy talking to are the ones that have their dogs with them. We compare stories because I have dogs, too.”
Irene's two Boston Terriers sometimes come with her at her selling spot.
“They’re very smart. Well, the one is, anyway,” Irene said with a laugh. “Atty will sit and watch TV with me and understands everything. I’ll talk to her or sing to her. She knows what’s going on.”
Irene wants her customers to know: “I’m a friendly person. Anybody that wants to talk, I’ll listen.
“If it makes them feel better, then it makes me feel better.”