The pandemic has changed Portlanders’ lives in many ways. Most non-essential work has ceased or slowed way down. Restaurants and schools are closed. Jobs and businesses have been lost with the future uncertain. Shopping for food, medicines and other essentials has become more time-consuming and risky. Just walking the dog, jogging and bicycling around the neighborhood has involved wearing masks and avoiding getting closer than six feet to others for fear of giving or getting the bug.
We’d like to share some stories Overlook residents tell about how the pandemic emergency has affected them. We hope these stories will inspire neighbors to persevere through the current challenges.
Board members Peter Parks, Casey Boggs and Brad Halverson have been speaking with neighbors (while maintaining appropriate social distancing) about their experiences. If you’d like to share your COVID-19 story, send an email to info@overlookneighborhood.org.
Atomic Pizza
Jenna McCracken, co-owner of Atomic Pizza on Killingsworth at Denver, lives in Overlook near the Blandena water tower. She and her husband William tried keeping the restaurant open during “pop-up” hours, but they had to have their 5-year-old with them. It became obvious that that was not safe with so many uncertainties about the coronavirus.
Now they have no income, and have not been able to get unemployment or loans. When applying to banks for help they are told the banks are swamped with applications, so that is a dead end. They have cancelled some things they don’t absolutely need and one of their loans has been forgiven for a short time.
They own both their home and the business building. So, Jenna says that they are property rich, but cash poor. Also, their employees have been laid off. For the McCrackens and their employees, this has been very stressful and frustrating.
Their son told Jenna this has been the best year ever — out of five. She was surprised and asked why. He had three reasons, the last being that they have been home with him so much. Jenna has felt a lot of support from the community and hopes business can resume before long. Running a small restaurant is not very profitable in the best of times. She says they often make less than their employees.
When things reopen, hopefully soon, be sure to support Atomic Pizza, one of Overlook’s landmark eateries.
Annie’s urban farm
Annie Forsthoefel has her business at home in Overlook. She can be seen often in her garden, covering and uncovering plants, weeding and otherwise nurturing a very healthy looking crop. She grows organic produce, sells produce and seedlings. She reports that part of her business is doing well with about 50 regular customers. Other aspects of her business are mostly on hold during the emergency. Urban farm dinners, cooking classes and private events will have to wait until Portland is no longer sheltering in place.
Life at Hazelnut Grove
Jackie Hooper, a Hazelnut Grove resident, is glad to have a safe place to sleep. Hazelnut Grove is protecting its own and not letting non-residents inside during the emergency. Residents also help other homeless people camped in the neighborhood when they can, especially during this emergency. Hazelnut Grove gave several 20-gallon water barrels so that some local campers can maintain cleanliness and be less likely to become sick.