The collection consists of the papers of Genevieve "Genny" Nelson, co-founder of the non-profit Sisters of the Road Café. The bulk of the collection is Nelson's personal files. These are a mixture of Nelson's personal papers, including her day planners, journals, and correspondence, as well as records relating to her work and advocacy, particularly her work as executive director of Sisters of the Road Café. Unless otherwise noted, these files are in the original order that they were in at the time of donation to the Oregon Historical Society Research Library, which is largely (though not entirely) chronological.

The collection also includes a substantial amount of Sisters of the Road Café records, including records relating to "Voices from the Street: Truths about Homelessness from Sisters of the Road," a book of interviews with unhoused people that Sisters of the Road produced and that Jessica P. Morrell edited. Other materials in the collection include: Materials relating to Nelson's other work and advocacy, including published materials about homelessness that she compiled; articles, books, certificates, and awards relating to recognition for Nelson's work; and personal ephemera, photographs, and writings, including a draft for a memoir.