Finding Home
A series of in-depth articles examining national perspectives around America’s growing housing and homeless crisis.
A series of in-depth articles examining national perspectives around America’s growing housing and homeless crisis.
Street Smart Economics is a periodic series written for Street Roots by professors emeriti in economics.
Finding Fringe is a periodic column profiling unconventional Oregonians who push the boundaries of social order.
Dustin Dandliker moved to Portland at age 10 to escape an abusive home. By age 14, he developed major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder that went undiagnosed for years. He sought escape through drugs and alcohol, eventually ending up in and out of jail and homelessness. He also managed to get his GED, graduate college and work in mental health for eight years.
This column is a first-hand account of the struggles and successes of overcoming trauma, mental illness, addiction, homelessness and more.
From its earliest days, Street Roots challenged sit-lie ordinances and camp sweeps, fighting the criminalization of homelessness and the legal entanglements that create barriers to housing and employment.