The following illustrates why I spend hours most evenings and weekends, reading and responding to emails from Portlanders.  It describes one citizen's perspective on how Sisters of the Road Cafe and Street Roots newspaper have helped her relate to people living outside.  I hope this person and others with caring hearts come to the meetings Commissioner Fish and I are leading this coming Saturday 7/18 and Tuesday 7/22 - see this site's front page for details.

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"This is not about funding per se, but I'd like to let you know that the Sisters and Roots communities actually add to my daily experience of being a part of the community of my city.  One of the challenges I've learned about from Sisters for people who are homeless is that others tend to walk by and not look at them.  Now I look, nod hello, and offer Sisters meal coupons as a way to have a brief, respectful, and often truly enlightening interaction.  I've been told by a man in a wheelchair to save the coupon for someone who needs it more!  I've been given coupons by a man asking for spare change who had more coupons than he could use and wanted me to give his away!  I actually look forward to seeing people asking for money, now that I have a good response, because it's a small but unscripted chat with someone in the midst of my day. 

I suppose this is my way of saying that I wish others could shift their perspective and come to see these opportunities in the way I have.  It would add to the richness of our city's life.  I know these are not the best of times, but if there are ways to get this message out, I would be happy to participate.

Best,

Judith Aftergut
Southwest Portland"

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Thank you for your comments, and for giving me permission to post them, Judith.