COVID-19 and the impact of infection spread around the country has been the highlight of this year 2020. To flatten the coronavirus curve, we have been introducing new systems and trying to getting used to the new operations as a member of the community.
One of the difficulties that Oregon has faced during the pandemic is how to protect homeless people and/or people around them from the coronavirus spread. According to Homelessness Toolkit (portlandoregon.gov), about 2,037 individuals sleep unsheltered in the City of Portland each night.
The government has implemented The Homelessness and Urban Camping Impact Reduction Program (HUCIRP) under the State of Emergency in Housing and Homelessness to help reduce the impact of homelessness within the community by creating service navigation opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness while also facilitating the removal of hazardous items and debris from our public spaces. However, as a response to the current condition and the increase of COVID-19 cases, the City of Portland has begun the Homelessness and Urban Camping Impact Reduction Program to protect health and safety. Here are the conditions for determining the sites that will be cleaned up.
Campsites will be prioritized for cleanup
- 8 or more occupied structures
- Block public sidewalks, paths, transit stations, restrooms, or building entrances
- Prevent 6 feet of physical distancing
- Significant garbage or debris
- Evidence of conspicuous drug use: uncapped, used hypodermic needles or other paraphernalia
- Credible reports of criminal behavior, verified by Portland Police or Multnomah County Sherif
To avoid warning and cleanup, we can do
- Limit campsites to fewer than 8 structures.
- Keep tents 12 feet apart from people not in your household.
- Make sure people can reasonably maintain 6 feet of distance from you and your property.
- Leave 10 feet of space from any doorway, transit stop, public restroom, or other high-activity areas.
- Keep your camp area free of soiled items, biohazards, and garbage that could transmit disease.
Homelessness has become one of the biggest problems in Oregon. Especially during the pandemic, the community's responsible operations and appropriate treatments are significant. However, it is also clear that all of us need to cooperate together for reducing COVID-19 cases in the community. When we think about how you can protect not only yourself but also your neighborhoods, there are many things that individuals can practice to protect our community from COVID-19.
For example,
- Don’t share cigarettes, phones, utensils, and other commonly shared items.
- As much as possible, wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. For information about accessing a hygiene station, call 503-823-4000.
- Use hand sanitizer when possible, rubbing it through fingers – do not wipe it off.
- Refrain from touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
Take a time to reconsider someone else, we are all together now.
For More Information
Portland government websites and PDF.
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