Reading Local: Portland

Willamette Week has the story of Stephanie Griffin, the former owner of 23rd Avenue Books, who became homeless after the store closed it’s doors in January after nearly 30 years of operation.

The former accountant, has reportedly sent out 77 applications in search of a new job.  No telling if one of them was for the Powell’s opening for a Payroll Specialist, which according to the article is Griffin’s “dream job.” Neighbors have set up a fund to help Griffin “get back on her feet.” Donations can be made to Stephanie Griffin Fund, c/o Glenda Magistrale, Consolidated Federal Credit Union, 2021 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR 97232.

The interesting side note to this story is the comments it provoked on the Willamette Week website, which to put it kindly, don’t show a whole lot of compassion for Griffin’s situation.

I have to say, I’m actually really torn on this one.  On one hand I’m all for giving people a leg up, and helping them through tough times.  On the other hand, there are numerous people facing this same situation in Portland and across the state, and because Griffin was once an owner of a bookstore a fund is set up in her honor.  In reality though, I have never walked in her shoes having nowhere to call home, so I have no idea what measures I would resort to if put in that position.  Either way I hope her situation takes a turn for the better, maybe even with the happy ending of Griffin landing her dream job at Powell’s.

What’s your take?

Author: Gabe Barber

Founder and publisher of Reading Local. I am an avid reader, primarily of non-fiction, and am ever curious to discover how local literature fits into the increasingly volatile literary landscape.

Gabe Barber has written 966 articles for us.