Frankie was known in Yamhill County as the “Pop Can Man.” That was some 25 years ago when Frankie lived in McMinnville and had his own business collecting cans at homes and businesses throughout the county, riding his bike from Amity to Carleton to Lafayette to Dayton to Yamhill.
Back then, Frankie was in his mid-twenties, and even though he was successful and enjoyed the work, he grew tired of waiting for his Section 8 housing in Yamhill, and he was ready to move to a bigger city.
So, 25 years ago, Frankie moved from McMinnville to Portland. According to Frankie, there are plenty of things to like about living in Portland, among them the fact that there are lots of places to meet new people.
“And great opportunities to get involved, like Street Roots,” he said.
Frankie first got involved with Street Roots about 13 years ago. He’s been with Street Roots long enough, he said, to remember when Street Roots was only published twice a month on Fridays. His sales post back then was at New Seasons, and his customers were always friendly and supportive.
He can still remember a great sales day back then.
“I sold 150 papers all in one day,” he said. “I made $250 all in one day.”
About three months ago, Frankie re-joined Street Roots. He’s worked a variety of Street Roots jobs, from helping to unload the paper delivery truck on Wednesdays to cleaning chores around the office.
Phone banking with Street Roots is another work opportunity that Frankie has taken part in.
“I like that work,” he said. “You get to talk with people on the phone and tell them about Street Roots’ new building. I feel like I’ve been successful at that job.”
Frankie likes working with the Street Roots vendor team.
“They’re good to work with, and some of these folks I’ve known for 13 years,” he said.
At a Special Olympics bowling event in Portland recently, Frankie met his girlfriend. He loves being involved with the Olympics and hopes to help strengthen its membership. He first got involved with the Special Olympics when he was in his twenties and living at a group home facility in Eugene. Downhill skiing was his event.
Was it scary? Well, the scary part, according to Frankie, was the chair lift going up the mountain and then getting off the lift. There was nothing to hold on to, and he felt “free to fall.”
But wasn’t the downhill skiing scary? No.
“That was thrilling,” Frankie said.
Frankie has worked with the Special Olympics team to help raise money for the organization in Yamhill County.
“I went to businesses and organizations,” he said, “from 9 to 5 to collect the contributions.”
It’s easy to see why Frankie likes what he calls “people jobs.”
“I like people, and people like me,” he said.
If he’s able to secure housing through Section 8 in Yamhill County, Frankie plans to relocate. But for the time being, he’s enjoying his life in Portland and his work with Street Roots. And he’s looking forward to celebrating his 48th birthday on Aug. 9 when his group home leader is treating him to a Red Lobster dinner.
You can support Frankie via @StreetRoots Venmo by entering his name and badge number (896) in the notes.
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