In an effort to ban homeless camping on the streets of Portland, Mayor Ted Wheeler announces
the location of the first city-sanctioned houseless camp. The first proposed mass camp is on the
Eastside on the private property known as the Clinton Triangle. The Clinton Triangle is one of six
proposed temporary camps to eliminate camping within the eighteen-month deadline and 27
million dollar budget set in November. The site will likely accommodate up to 150 people and is
placed next to transportation and community services and will have security on site 24 hours a
day.
This raises concern for houseless people and businesses alike: many houseless people feel that
placing them in a camp is counterproductive and limits their freedoms, and surrounding
businesses refuse to go on record in fear of backlash. It has not gone unnoticed that one of
Portland’s biggest problems is the housing crisis, Still, the implications of on-site security and
being on private property are valid concerns for the safety of houseless people who have a tense
relationship with law enforcement, businesses, and Mayor Wheeler alike. Many believe that these
efforts should be reconsidered with the humanity of homeless people in mind.
Read more on the Clinton Triangle
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