Opinion | Unhoused constituents have important experiences to inform policy Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Commissioner Susheela Jayapal gathered for policy input from 14 constituents in a room crowded with backpacks, duffle bags, walker ...
5 Apr 2023 - Kaia Sand and Haley Grieco-Page
Opinion | Street Roots broke ground on renovations for its new, expanded West Burnside Street office last week, ushering in a new era with expanded services S treet Roots celebrated the launch of construction with a groundbreaking that resembled a flash m ...
22 Mar 2023 - Kaia Sand
Opinion | Requesting PSR requires calling 911, here's how it works:- A woman was in distress, standing in Peninsula Park. The caller knew her and requested Portland Street Response to help her calm down. Kaia Sand is the executive director of Street ...
16 Mar 2023 - Kaia Sand
OPINION | 890 Street Roots supporters pitched in $30,000 of snow aid “ This snow pay is so generous and awesome," Dumpsta D, Street Roots vendor, said. "We really do love our customers for stepping up to the plate in true ‘Supportland’ style. It ...
7 Mar 2023 - Kaia Sand
OPINION | House Bill 2001 expands on Gov. Kotek's homelessness state of emergency People across the state are struggling with homelessness, and it’s not always easy to see. Not only are people in tents, but also in RVs and campers without access to w ...
1 Mar 2023 - Kaia Sand
OPINION | Commissioner Rene Gonzalez's decision to halt tent distribution is punitive, performative and dangerous There are details I remember — the winter rain, the distraught woman with her hands shaking and red with cold. Her husband, feverish, ly ...
22 Feb 2023 - Kaia Sand
OPINION | County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson announces plan to begin housing homeless Multnomah County residents Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson announced a planned $14 million investment to begin housing homeless Multnomah County residents F ...
8 Feb 2023 - Kaia Sand
OPINION | Late vendor Dennis Chavez taught us lessons in grace An elderly man pumped his fists to “Back in Black” by AC/DC, his wheelchair pivoting beneath his animated body. Kaia Sand is the executive director of Street Roots. This column represents her ...
1 Feb 2023 - Kaia Sand
OPINION | I believe in a future utilizing vacant spaces downtown “ Want to hear a joke?” Melissa hollered to me across the street. “Sure,” I hollered back. The light changed, and she began to cross the street, leaning on a walker that was heavy with belon ...
25 Jan 2023 - Kaia Sand
OPINION | Responsibilties of the state in addressing the homelessness crisis Steel your gaze on the state. Gov. Tina Kotek signaled she is prioritizing housing and homelessness by issuing three executive orders on her first day in office, Jan 10. Kaia San ...
18 Jan 2023 - Kaia Sand