Street Roots

Street Roots is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization based in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1999, they are dedicated to addressing social and environmental justice issues through their weekly newspaper. The newspaper is unique in that it is sold by people experiencing homelessness and poverty, providing them with an opportunity to earn an income.

Street Roots vendors purchase copies of the newspaper for 25 cents each and then sell them on the streets of Portland for $1, keeping the profits. With over 800 vendors selling the newspaper throughout the year, it serves as a vital source of income for those in need. The newspaper itself is filled with high-quality local journalism, featuring in-depth reporting by professional journalists and contributions from community members and social justice organizations.

It also includes poetry and writings by vendors, produced independently and through creative writing workshops. Street Roots is a member of the International Network of Street Papers and is committed to the values of creativity, dignity, equity, grace, integrity, and relation. They advocate for systemic change, drawing from the expertise of vendors and the investigations of their editorial department.

Additionally, Street Roots offers other services such as the Rose City Resource, a comprehensive list of services for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. By supporting Street Roots, you are not only receiving a top-notch newspaper but also contributing to the empowerment and betterment of individuals and the community as a whole