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Friday, October 25, 2019

TAKING ACTION OUTSIDE OF THE BOX




Portland is taking action in different and innovative ways in order to assist those experiencing houselessness. Two ways that actions are being taken are through mobile hygiene units and the formation of the Portland Street Response team, both of which are created to spark the transition from houselessness to permanent housing at their core.

Portland officials are joining non-profits to create mobile hygiene units. The goal of these units is to make hygiene resources available to those who are living on the street. Each mobile unit is equipped with a portable toilet, a set of lockers, and trash cans. Those building the units are aiming to set up each unit at individual camping spots one by one, with the goal of getting know to those experiencing houselessness, acting as the first step from houselessness to housing.

The city of Portland may also see a brand new dispatching system through the formation of the Portland Street Response team. The goal of this formation is to have a new dispatch operation available solely regarding the houseless community. Alongside this team will be hired medical and behavioral professionals available on call every hour of every day. This would expand the availability of medical assistance. Through each call, medical and behavioral professionals will be able to transport people to shelters and clinics.