Is there a Lack of Focus Within the Local Government Regarding the Homeless?

A Call for Public Action in our Local Government

By:Lauren Markley

Imagine you’re living on the streets, being given false promises of housing eventually being provided for you. Instead of getting what you need like shelter and proper food and help finding work and integrating out of homelessness, you are simply told that you’re allowed to camp wherever you please. Left out in the cold, to fend for yourself in an almost guaranteed hostile environment, with nothing but a tent. That’s what the Portland government has decided to do with their controversial decision. Rather than trying to increase the building of more shelters and centers that can help people with mental illness and drug problems. 

Put yourself in the shoes of these people, and understand the unjust way they’ve been treated even to this day. While this is a controversial decision that has divided most of the members of Portland, what really matters is the people themselves that are being provided the shelter and support that they need. People are focusing more on whether or not the decision should have been put to a vote, or whether or not it’s safe for the rest of the public when the temporary camps have been set up. In the end though, it’s a lack of shelters and help that is the real problem, and it needs to be fixed so people no longer even need to sleep on the streets.

More info on this topic can be found in this article here: https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/ex/sustainablecitiescollective/new-safe-sleep-policy-legalizes-homeless-camping-portland-oregon/1255653/