In 1998, Street Roots became Portland’s flagship street
newspaper. By employing homeless individuals as
distribution vendors, this non-profit can publish an
insightful paper that addresses issues of homelessness
and poverty while creating an income stream for
community it writes about. In its first year, Street
Roots established the writers group, a weekly meeting
that encouraged homeless and low-income citizens, many
of whom were also Street Roots vendors, to submit their
work to the paper for publication. This system of
empowerment created an offshoot of the paper, a
publishing cooperative and outlet for homeless writers
to express their life views and experiences on the
street. In 2000, Street Roots became the launch pad for
Dignity Village, the only city-sanctioned homeless
community. A home to many Street Roots vendors, this
mini city of tents and shelters has become an
alternative to the inner city shelter and has grown to
be nationally recognized as a community of
self-improvement and social economic enrichment.
Street Roots provides a work opportunity for a
disenfranchised and dispossessed community. Vendors feel
empowered to create their own financial solutions
through hard work and dedication. Setting goals,
building territories and selling more papers can achieve
senior vendor status. Mentoring newer vendors is a
common practice. Regular vendor meetings are held to
share success stories, overcome difficulties,
re-evaluate program guidelines, and to exchange ideas on
strengthening the public appeal for the paper. Street
Roots also provides a venue for outside agencies to
present information to vendors and others in the
homeless community. Problems and their solutions in the
areas of health care, housing safety and food services
are frequently discussed. Volunteers from all walks of
life devote many hours each week to assist in
operations. Vendor suggestion boxes are placed
throughout the office to encourage vendors and
volunteers alike to take an active role in shaping the
paper with creative ideas and solutions.
