Street Roots vendors | What we’re thankful for this season

I’m grateful for every day. I’ll be more grateful when we get this vaccine.

Buzz Garrick

Life. … I’ve always wanted to make it to 60. I’ve passed death three times, and I’ve made it. The best part about it is that I’ve always been unique, and now I’m more appreciative of that uniqueness.

Mama Kat

I miss talking to my normal customers, but it’s still good to come into Street Roots. Happy holidays, and hope to see you all soon.

Melissa Hansen

Thank you, Grand Central Bakery, for the coffee and baked goods. I want to thank all my regular customers for supporting me. Thank you, Tea Chai Té, for the hospitality.

William Adams

For the Street Roots family. (I’ve been) living off and on the streets for eight years. Now I have my place, but I want to continue selling papers because it’s a family here.

Adam Schwait (not pictured)

I’m thankful for my job at Street Roots and that I’ve met compassionate people toward our homeless brothers and sisters.

George Denison

I’m thankful for my life. Even though I’m living in a tent on the street, I’m still surviving. It’s not the end of the world.

D.J. Husar

I’m thankful for community that stands together, even when we’re all in the hardest of times.

Courtney Varner (not pictured)

I love you all, and I hope this (pandemic) doesn’t get worse.

Peter Salzmann

I’m grateful for Street Roots. They’ve done tremendous things for me. They’ve given me hats, gloves, scarves, food, coffee. They’ve
welcomed me.

Gail Marcotte

I am thankful for housing. I got housing three months ago.

Don Peterson

Street Roots during the pandemic was on the side of caution. We hadn’t had it spread with vendors or in the office. I’m grateful to still be able to sell the paper because it’s my source of income and to be able to talk with the community.

Dan Newth

After 10 months of making phone calls, I finally got my wife out of a tent and into an apartment. And even though I’m still in a tent, she’s out of the cold. As a double amputee, she doesn’t need to be in a tent. My happiness is that she’s warm and dry, has a stove and a bathroom and a refrigerator.

Max McEntire

I am thankful for the TPI staff and the River District Navigation Center.

Michael Odegard

I’m thankful for being alive, being strong and making it through the year.

Anthony Rogers

I am thankful to be alive and to be able to provide for myself.

Twon

I’m thankful that I was able to choose my family. I know my family loves me. My family are who I chose to keep because they were worth it.

Amber King (not pictured)

I’ve got a lot to be grateful for. … I have at least somewhat of an income. I’m thankful that we haven’t been swept in so long. I’m thankful the cops have given us a rest and allowed us to breathe. I’m thankful my customers have been so good to me. I’m thankful for Raven (Drake), actually getting us paid and getting our voices heard. I haven’t had to worry where my next meal is coming from.

DWD Blackmore

I’m thankful for that they’ve got a vaccine. I want these masks to go away.

Rick Davis

I am thankful for all of my family from Street Roots.

Jennifer Bradford

I’m thankful for the camaraderie, all the communal feelings at Street Roots. I’m thankful for Do Good Multnomah for helping me get off the streets. And for my significant other. … I wouldn’t know where I’d be without her.

Doug Marcks

Compiled by Veronica Ruth

Street Roots is an award-winning, weekly publication focusing on economic, environmental and social justice issues. The newspaper is sold in Portland, Oregon, by people experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty as means of earning an income with dignity. Street Roots newspaper operates independently of Street Roots advocacy and is a part of the Street Roots organization. Learn more about Street Roots. Support your community newspaper by making a one-time or recurring gift today.

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