Many already have jobs—not easy ones, either. The refrain of “Get a job!” is as old as poverty and panhandling. But one of the hard truths of homelessness is that many people who qualify as homeless work hard and still … Continue reading Why Don’t Homeless People Just Get Jobs?
Conversations about homelessness too often devolve into stereotypes, such as “it’s their choice,” “they’re not from here,” “he needs to get a job,” “it’s not their fault,” etc. Jerry Vermillion’s story transcends paint-by-numbers talking points. Vermillion, 52, has been living … Continue reading Hard working, conscientious, well groomed … and homeless
By Thacher Schmid The old Northrup Food Center—vacant and rotting for 15 years despite occupying a coveted parcel—has finally sold. Its walls could tell a story of colorful characters, contrasting cultures and economic transition as New Portland uproots the old … Continue reading ‘Strange Sale’ – old grocery sells; the working homeless
Songs & Stories 