The Roots of Street Roots

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     There's a constant need for big voices in the world of street activism, so, the appeal to people from all walks of life working for Street Roots is amazing. The Nick Gefroh Vendor Fund is fundamental in creating and distributing resources that help the underprivileged. There are over 70 vendors that work within the Portland metro area, Seattle, and surrounding areas to deliver goods and services to those most in need. Street Roots has a large viewership that extends beyond houselessness or homelessness, and features an advocacy group as well as a comprehensive resource guide. Street Roots is influential and far reaching, extending throughout the Greater Portland Metro Area. Thankfully, with such a great backing and financial support, Street Roots is able to serve those in need. There are many people who donate, but, two who stand out are: old-school liberals, as well as conservatives who love the business model. Many of Street Roots members sleep on the street, advocating the necessity to donate and help the group foster and grow.


The yearly budget is $400,000, and adding 26 copies to the annual edition will cause it to grow and expand to a greater amount. Homeless people are an incredibly vulnerable, and street roots aims to take that pressure off of their already precarious lives by allowing them an added ability to contribute to society through publications. Portland is a city with rocketing rent prices, a growing homeless population of close to 3,000 people. With this crisis in hand, it's always good to know that Street Roots publications benefit and employ the most vulnerable in our society.

Israel Bayer recently stepped down as the Portland non-profit newspaper publisher and executive director who was in charge of Street Roots. In his 15 years of working with the publication, he's contributed immensely to the proliferation and continued success of Street Roots, as well as advocating for the homeless.




You can find out more through the following links:

Vimeo

Willamette Week

KGW

Oregon Live

OPB





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