february 1. 2002 * ¡mmt o ut. j 5
: u ) \ i i \ w }i ^ u n e w s
P itching
a T ent
Continued from Page 1
The two have experienced a certain degree
of homophobia at Dignity Village. The other
people “won’t admit it, hut you can hear it all
the time," Dolton says.
She and Amo know Portlanders consider
the Village a homeless camp, hut they believe
“homeless" is a misnomer.
“1 don’t think we’re homeless,” Dolton says.
“We’re houseless. Because we do have an
address and a phone."
Although the Villagers might not he liv
ing in traditional dwellings, the sense of
community creates the atmosphere of a
home. The tents are set up close together,
ranging in size from small camping tents to
full, walk-in rooms. The headquarters are
located in a trailer, where residents can
access a telephone and receive mail.
The Village even has an Internet site,
www.outofthedMrways.org, chronicling its his
tory and members. As with any community,
there is discontent and feuding, hut Dolton and
Amo report little theft or violence.
People of all ages and backgrounds live at
Dignity, and a security system is in place to
ensure no one causes trouble. “People who have
been eighty-sixed from the camp come and try
to promote violence.. .hut there is a lot of secur
ity in the form of people who live here already,”
Amo says.
Late last month, Amo moved back home to
Sherwood with her parents, who are “hard-core
Christians," according to Dolton.
“She wasn’t getting along with Dignity
Village,” Dolton says. “She wouldn’t abide by
the rules.. .she just started retaliating. And I told
her that’s her choice, but I’m not gonna put up
with that, you know, because the heat comes
back on me. I finally couldn’t take it. She may
be back, she might not. It’s up to her.”
Dolton is unsure whether they are still a
couple. “We may be having a time apart, we
might he broken up, to he honest with you,”
she says.
Meanwhile, Dolton has other plans for the
near future. A full-blooded Inuit, she is trying to
get her papers together to enroll in the tribe. So
far, the prtx:ess has taken her 17 years.
“Once I get the papers, I can get into hous
ing,” she says. “1 can get a state job that pays
well, and I’ll get full medical and dental benefits.
1 don’t want to go to the reservation. I’d rather
he out here. I’m more comfortable. I’d like to go
back to school and look into the fields of law
and paralegal work.”
Bean Dolton is grateful that Dignity Village helped her get back on her feet
For now, Dolton is looking for another full-time
When asked if she feels safe at Dignity Vil at the Gap, where her bosses didn’t care about temp job. She eventually would like to move to
Alaska and work at a cannery or on a fishing boat.
lage, Dolton says: “Theoretically, myself. her housing status.
She is grateful that Dignity Village helped
Sometimes.”
“It was not an issue at all whatsoever," she
her get back on her feet. “I thank them a lot for
At least 60 people live in the camp, and says. “They were really cool about it.”
that.... I asked for a hand to help, and they’ve
the turnover rate is high at times. Conditions
olton is one of the lucky ones: A few always been there. They’ve always been very
are unpredictable, hut Dolton and Arno feel
„J weeks after Just Out interviewed her, she supportive.”
especially protected by certain members of
The ultimate goal, Dolton says, is to stay off
the camp who have taken them under their moved into a trailer parked across the street
from Dignity Village. Her mother bought it for the streets permanently. “T hat’s what I’m
wing.
“Our guys in our pod love us and protect us," her “as kind of a bonus for staying out of working towards right now. This is my opportu
nity, and I’m taking advantage of it. It’s scary
Dolton says. “We all hang out. Every time we trouble last year,” she says.
“1 went from tent trash to trailer trash," she living on the streets down here, especially
scream, there’s someone there.”
Dolton adapted amazingly well to life in the jokes. “It’s a big difference. The only thing I nowadays. I went out last night and almost got
cold and damp. She just finished a seasonal job have to worry about is running out of propane.” my butt beaten.” jH
I
%$v<P
How DO
THE NEW TAX
LAWS AFFECT YOU?
Floreid Walker, Senior Financial Advisor, can tell you. In June
2001, Congress enacted sweeping new tax legislation. The
changes can be overwhelming.
For over a decade, Floreid has been successful in helping hun
dreds of non-traditional couples, domestic partners and families
understand complex tax and financial issues. From Long-Term
Care and Disability Insurance to IRAs and College Planning,
you’ll receive accurate answers to your tough questions. Call for
an appointment today.
~ WADDELL
, ' <SrREED
Financial Services*
Investing. With a plan?
2001
Chairman’s
Advisory Board
Member
For a personal financial plan, call:
FLOREID WALKER
Senior Financial Advisor
503.238.6036 ext 109
500 N.E. Multnomah, Suite 278
Portland, OR 97232
www.waddell.com
email: floreid32983@wradvisors.com
Member SIPC
Mediterranean Cruises
Cruise aboard the Royal Clipper
6Prance , Italy
Greece
W estoyer H eights
C
L
I
N
I
C
July 27 - Aug. 3
(hilsuli nihin
fm m
^
O
^
Jl £
Offering general internal
medicine and excelling
in sexual health care
prrftrrmtn
Turkey to Greece
Aug. 10 - Aug. 17
“
%820
ftcr fM THttH
Serving the community for 17 years
Based on availability. Cruise only. Port charges included.
LLOYD TRAVEL
2330 NW Flanders
‘ Suite 207
1026 NE M ultnom ah
503 288-5145
-
W ith o u t a tra v e l a g e n t y o u ’re on yo u r ow n .
Worried
About
Your
Rights?
503 226-6678
-
ay and Lesbian couples need to take extra precaution when creating
an estate plan. Why? Because the government doesn’t provide equal
rights to same sex couples, and it’s essential that you're prepared for the
legal battle that may ensue when you or your partner die.
G
Rely on Someone W ho Knows Your Rights
Richard Schneider, a local attorney with 20 years of experience is well
versed in the legal dilemmas that the gay community faces and can help
you arm yourself against intervention by the courts. He'll be happy to pro
vide you with a FREE one-hour consultation, advising you and your part
ner o f your rights and show you the best way to protect them.
(503) 241-1215
L aw O f f ic e s o f R ic h a r d B. S c h n e id e r , L L C
2455 NW Marshall Street. Suite 11 • Portland. Oregon 97210
Prepare for Tomorrow by Planning Today
Call us today for your FREE report titled "Gay and Lesbian Couples
Face Special Challenges in Estate Planning. ”
When It comes to your estate,
as a Gay or Lesbian, you need
all the protection you can get.
V______________________________________________
You Should Be.