“I basically came down here in December. I’m from New York. She’s been here her whole life. It reminds me of where I am from. Portland just reminds me of home, in a way. I like it. People are really nice, not like us New Yorkers. It’s a new environment and I like it. 

Nobody really likes to come down here because they hear about the gunshots, druggies, and all of that. Me, personally, you’re going to find that no matter where you go. People are afraid to come down here and you don’t have to be afraid. If you’re in the gangs and into drugs, you’re at risk of being into stuff. If you’re not into it, you’ll be fine. I’ve been here since December and I have no problems with anybody. I just stick to myself, go to work and come home. 

I don’t know, people have their own opinions but I think it’s stupid how they’re scared to come down here. I take my daughter to the park all the time. I take her walking all the time and nothing happens.” Will, pictured with Danielle and their daughter, Angel in Portland