Community Spotlight: Ground Score Association
There are few organizations in Portland that embody the idea that those who are most qualified to treat the root causes of homelessness and poverty are the ones experiencing it. Ground Score Association is one of those organizations.
Barbie Weber (front row, second from left) with other Ground Score Association team members. (Photo courtesy of Barbie Weber)
Last month, I sat down with Ground Score founder, Barbie Weber, to delve into the genesis of Ground Score and the underlying philosophies that drive it. Barbie has witnessed the insurmountable barriers faced by people on the streets and shared her dream of establishing a low-barrier jobs program that grants everyone their right to survive.
In 2019, she – in coalition with others who shared that same vision – turned that dream into reality with Ground Score. Ground Score is an association comprising informal recyclers, dumpster divers, and other environmental workers who come together to create and fill low-barrier waste management jobs, fiscally-sponsored by the non-profit organization Trash for Peace. The name "Ground Score" stems from the notion that anything someone finds on the ground can contribute to their survival.
“It’s kind of a universal term,” Barbie explained to me. “If you used it in New York or the UK to somebody that was outside or travels a lot, they would know what you’re talking about.”
Ground Score is built on collective organization, championing radical inclusivity, and providing job opportunities for those facing work and housing instability. Additionally, it actively promotes environmental and social consciousness while challenging prevailing societal norms of value and worth.
Ground Score's early contracts included managing waste for local events and helping to lead SOLVE volunteers in cleanup activities, effectively acting as ambassadors between the housed and unhoused communities.
As a long-time Sisters Roadie, Barbie draws inspiration from the core philosophies she absorbed from Sisters of the Road, particularly emphasizing the importance of self-determination and promoting radical inclusivity in her own training sessions.
She acknowledges that these principles evolve with the times but remains steadfast in her support of Sisters of the Road.
“Philosophy-driven is what Sisters is, and that’s like water – ever-changing,” she said. “I feel like (Ground Score) navigates in both departments. (Mission-driven and philosophy-driven.)”
When Ground Score began, nearly all leadership was living unsheltered. Today Barbie is proud to report 95% of the team is currently sheltered or housed.
Barbie Weber speaks at the Sisters of the Road Groundbreaking Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 9th. (Sean Bascom)
During our recent Groundbreaking Block Party, I recall profusely thanking Barbie for her presence at our event. She not only spoke at the event but also mobilized members of Ground Score to assist with the clean-up and teardown. In her characteristic matter-of-fact style, she clarified that her attendance wasn't solely to support our staff but because she believes in Sisters.
We aspire to meet and exceed her expectations of what Sisters will become once we open our new space. We also look forward to continuing our collaborative journey with Ground Score.
