Melissa chooses to focus on the positive and is grateful 'just to be here' Melissa moves through life with willpower and a positive outlook. “I’m very open to everything,” she said. “I don’t judge. I think if you’re happy, that’s all that matter ...
27 Jul 2018 - Leonora Ko
Deadpool and Jennifer met on the street and are learning to have a healthy relationship Deadpool loves Jennifer and wrote a poem published in Street Roots called “True Love” for all Portland to see. “It’s about finding someone that loves you for who you a ...
16 Feb 2017 - Leonora Ko
To Kevin, church and Street Roots are 'like family' Kevin Robinson sells Street Roots through rain, sleet and snow. “When it snowed,” Kevin said, “it was hard. I fell on the ice a couple times, but I sold some papers. Didn’t make as much money a ...
2 Feb 2017 - Leonora Ko
Tory's best tool for understanding the world? Books. Tory Breise is friendly and curious, and he has 2,000 books on his Kindle. “I like to go around and look at things, talk to people and see what’s going on,” Tory said. “But most of the ideas that ...
19 Jan 2017 - Leonora Ko
Jason, who served with AmeriCorps, has a career background in food service and employment training Jason Everly came to Portland more than 17 years ago to do service with AmeriCorps. “It was one of the hardest, but one of the best, things that I ever did ...
5 Jan 2017 - Leonora Ko
Just saying good morning goes a long way, Peter says Peter Polzer is a people person with a sure sense of salesmanship that is helping him toward a better future. His years as a furniture salesman make selling Street Roots a natural fit. “The main tool to ...
19 Dec 2016 - Leonora Ko
Shawn uses his negative experiences to help others heal Shawn Knight is smart as a whip and taking steady steps to get off the street. He was born in Ohio and grew up in Texas. “I’ve been an electronics geek since I was a kid,” Shawn said. “When I was 8 ...
1 Dec 2016 - Leonora Ko
Deidra has developed healthier relationships and has regained her independence Deidra Youngerman, or “Peaches,” has an easygoing manner and laugh that has helped her make friends around the world. “I was born in Greenwood, South Carolina,” said Deidra. “B ...
28 Nov 2016 - Leonora Ko
Michelle is getting back on track with a positive attitude and community support Michelle H. is a strong and endearing woman who has a lot to smile about these days. But a year ago, she was in a very different place, both physically and mentally. She was ...
3 Nov 2016 - Leonora Ko
Seeing other Street Roots vendors get housing has inspired Elijah Elijah Michel has a drive for hard work and happiness, and it’s paying off in Portland. “I work in a survey place,” Elijah said with a big smile. “After about two weeks of (working as a tem ...
27 Oct 2016 - Leonora Ko