Founded in 1999, Street Roots stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment in Portland, Oregon. This impactful nonprofit 501(c)3 organization publishes a weekly social justice newspaper that serves as a vital platform and income source for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty. At its core, street roots is about providing opportunities and fostering systemic change from the ground up.
{width=284 height=184}The heart of street roots lies in its vendor program. Each week, over 100 vendors, individuals striving to overcome homelessness and poverty, invest in their own micro-businesses by purchasing newspapers for just 25 cents each. They then become entrepreneurs, selling these papers on the streets of Portland for $1 and retaining the profit. This direct exchange empowers them to earn a living and regain a sense of dignity and control over their lives. Throughout a year, more than 400 vendors participate, highlighting the program’s extensive reach and impact within the community.
Street roots extends beyond just income generation. The award-winning weekly newspaper is a powerful voice for social and environmental justice. It delivers high-quality local journalism, featuring in-depth reporting by professional journalists alongside compelling op-eds from community members and organizations dedicated to social change. Furthermore, the newspaper proudly showcases the creative talents of its vendors through poetry and writings developed independently and in creative workshops, fostering self-expression and community connection. Street Roots is a member of the prestigious Institute for Nonprofit News, further solidifying its commitment to journalistic integrity.
{width=4579 height=1218}Recognizing the multifaceted needs of individuals facing homelessness, street roots also produces the Rose City Resource guide. This comprehensive directory is an invaluable tool, listing services available to people experiencing homelessness and poverty across Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. With over 215,000 guides distributed annually, and continuously updated digital access, the Rose City Resource ensures vital information reaches those who need it most.
The Ambassador Program represents another crucial facet of street roots. Select vendors are offered paid ambassador positions, engaging in public health outreach, conducting surveys, and participating in training initiatives. These experiences not only provide additional income but also serve as a bridge to stable employment. Street Roots actively connects ambassadors with community partners, facilitating pathways to new job opportunities and long-term stability.
Advocacy is deeply ingrained in the street roots mission. Drawing upon the lived experiences of vendors and rigorous investigative journalism, Street Roots champions systemic change. A prime example is their instrumental role in introducing and campaigning for the Portland Street Response plan, a groundbreaking initiative directly addressing community needs. Through its newspaper and advocacy efforts, street roots is dedicated to creating lasting positive change in Portland and beyond.
