Daniel Cox is a poet.
He began writing poetry when he started selling Street Roots eight years ago. However, he developed his love of words when he was much younger, thanks to a unique form of discipline by his mother.
“My mom got tired of punishing me,” Daniel said. “When I was 11, she sat me down and made me read the dictionary for 15 minutes. I got in trouble a lot, so I learned a lot of words.”
Daniel’s poetry has earned him a loyal customer base at Street Roots. He often writes about his upbringing, touching on topics like camping in Canada and studying rain puddles.
“I still have people come up and say, ‘You’re the poet,’” Daniel said.
Street Roots has been instrumental in giving Daniel an outlet for this creativity. A past Street Roots volunteer, Helen, even compiled a book of his poems.
“Street Roots has given me a purpose,” Daniel said. “Now I’m selling a product I believe in.”
Daniel has found community with Street Roots staff, vendors and customers alike. When he first heard about the paper, he didn’t know what it was about, so he went to an orientation meeting with a friend. After that, he began selling papers.
Street Roots helps Daniel have more financial independence and gives him a connection to the Portland community, as well.
“The value is the friendships I’ve made with customers,” Daniel said. “I used to sell at Pearl Bakery. Some of my customers found me (after it went out of business) ... Feels pretty rewarding to have regulars.”
He mentioned the generosity of customers who buy a paper and leave a tip. He also said some customers pay for a paper and opt to read online, leaving him with an extra copy to sell.
If Daniel could give other vendors a bit of advice, it would be to stick with selling Street Roots.
“Just stick with it and it will pay out,” Daniel said.
Of the many ways Street Roots impacts Daniel, two stand out to him.
“Street Roots has given me independence and (taught me) there’s always a non-violent solution to everything,” Daniel said.
Daniel sells Street Roots at the Pearl District Starbucks at Northwest 11th Avenue and Northwest Couch Street Thursday through Monday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also support Daniel through
@StreetRoots Venmo by entering his name and badge number (194) in the notes.
Street Roots is an award-winning weekly investigative publication covering economic, environmental and social inequity. The newspaper is sold in Portland, Oregon, by people experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty as means of earning an income with dignity. Street Roots newspaper operates independently of Street Roots advocacy and is a part of the Street Roots organization. Learn more about Street Roots. Support your community newspaper by making a one-time or recurring gift today.
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