Opinion | The collective strength of Old Town is a force to be reckoned with. How do we continue a campaign of hope for our neighborhood? Hope is on the rise in Old Town. Kaia Sand is the executive director of Street Roots. This column represents her view ...
12 Jul 2023 - Kaia Sand
Opinion | PSU researchers release 2-year evaluation, find police-alternative works, needs investment, support Portland Street Response is achieving what it set out to do. Portland Street Response is in danger of being dismantled. Both are true. Kaia Sand ...
27 Jun 2023 - Kaia Sand
Opinion | Sociologist Matthew Desmond estimates $140 billion a year in benefits to low-income people go unclaimed Determined to file his taxes, a man I know labored to find an accountant to help him, as he does every year. This year is the first year he h ...
17 May 2023 - Kaia Sand
Opinion | The work to create a whole new first responder system must transcend one administration, one person, one moment Portland Street Response is at a crossroads. The innovative first responder system is city-wide but still limited in hours, and the c ...
19 Apr 2023 - Kaia Sand
Opinion | As construction continues at Street Roots’ new building, I am reminded compassion is key H is hands lifted to the sky, the man was chanting. He did not seem to notice me or any of the people in hard hats from O’Neill Construction Group and Finis ...
12 Apr 2023 - Kaia Sand
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 | 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