Sandra Hahn, originally from Louisiana, moved to Portland in 1972 at the age of 23, hoping to find better employment opportunities. She initially worked as a cashier and later became a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Sandra also pursued education in pre-law and psychology at Portland State University but did not complete her degree.

Sandra’s life took her to various places, including Twenty Nine Palms, California, Fort Stewart, Georgia, and Aschaufenberg, Germany, where her ex-husband was stationed in the military. During her time in Germany, she ran a tamale business, which was well-received by both Americans and Germans.

After returning to Portland, Sandra started a healthcare agency but struggled to secure clients and funding. This led her to become a Street Roots vendor, a role she has held for about eight years. Her main source of income is Social Security, which she describes as insufficient for living comfortably.

Sandra has experienced homelessness in the past, primarily due to job instability. She stayed in shelters and made close friends with other women who were also homeless. Despite the challenges, she eventually secured a place in fixed-income housing for older adults, which she finds to be inadequate and poorly designed for her needs.

Sandra’s advice to someone on the brink of homelessness is to find a suitable shelter or living arrangement. She emphasizes the importance of choosing a shelter that aligns with one’s values and avoiding groups that engage in harmful activities like drug dealing. She stresses the importance of knowing oneself and making decisions that are true to one’s identity and goals.

Sandra also advises following the rules of the shelter or group home, such as avoiding alcohol and drugs, and maintaining a safe and stable environment. She suggests that if certain rules are too restrictive, one can find ways to manage them, like going out on nights when their presence is not required.

In reflecting on her journey, Sandra expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her story and hopes that her experiences can help others facing similar challenges. She wishes for the best for everyone and emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself.