Homelessness- Los Angeles County vs. Portland, Oregon

Dignity Village located in Portland, Oregon

With the cost of living constantly rising, homelessness has become a large issue in many states. In the Los Angeles County alone, the homeless population is at nearly 59,000 people. On the other hand, the homeless population in Portland, Oregon is significantly less, at around 14,000 homeless people. So, what causes the major difference in these numbers from two different states? The difference is that Portland, Oregon decided that they were going to find a solution to the homelessness crisis rather than turning a blind eye and ignoring the problem. The city reluctantly let them pitch their tents in a city-owned lot that was located near a drainage canal. The fact that these people finally had a permanent place to stay encouraged them upgrade their living situations by collecting as much money as they could to purchase recycled materials. From these materials, they built “tiny houses,” in which they would reside in and make it their new home. 

The “Dignity Village,” as it is called, is not free of charge though. Residents are responsible for paying their own utility bills, which also includes $35 a month to rent a space in the lot. Aside from this, they also have rules set in place such as being evicted if you engage in drug and alcohol offenses or disruptive behavior, miss three months’ rent in a row, or refusing to do the required ten hours a week of community service. Dignity Village has turned something that is often frowned upon into something much more appreciated. Giving these people a permanent place to reside has shifted their mentality and encouraged them to get jobs, make rules, etc. The Los Angeles County can learn a lot from Dignity Village. The homeless population in the LAC will not decrease until there is some change being done. Dignity Village is just one effective example that can be set in place in order to achieve that change.

Skid Row located in Los Angeles