Mass Outdoor Shelter Planned for Portland’s Eastside

In April of 2023, funding was provided to Multnomah county to help combat the homelessness epidemic. The proposed site was made possible with a 50 million dollar contract from a company called Urban Alchemy, a “social enterprise that engages with situations where extreme poverty meets homelessness, mental illness and addiction.” The California based company aims to rehabilitate “neighborhoods, streets, and intersections” that may be considered dangerous or unvisitable. 

The city and Urban Alchemy are working together to provide electricity, plumbing, and camping grounds for houseless individuals; despite the recent full city camping ban. The city argues that these will act as “temporary alternative shelter sites,” but the decision seems to be in conflict with the recent push for aggressive sweeps and strict no camping policies. Despite this effort, the shelter site will only be able to hold a limited number of individuals and there will need to be serious work done to ensure some sort of movement into permanent housing for protection from the increasingly deadly winter weather. 

In an annual city review from 2021, it was reported that “at least 193 people died while homeless in calendar year 2021. The figure is an increase from 126 the previous year.” As the homeless population increases the number of deaths from exposure and incidents relating to their situation will also increase, and it is important to ensure that there is planning for some sort of long term indoor housing to ensure people are protected from the elements. - Cole Marshall

Sources:

• https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/04/portland-outdoor-mass-shelter-site-ted-wheeler

• https://urban-alchemy.us/

• https://www.kptv.com/2023/02/15/multnomah-co-health-dept-talks-homeless-death-statistics/

Mixed Results Following Homeless Sweeps

 Despite its previously liberal approach to the homelessness epidemic in Portland, the city has moved forward with a number of forced dispersals of encampments; with seemingly mixed results. At the height of these “tent sweeps” in October of 2022, the city proclaimed to have swept over 80 encampments in a single week. And in May of 2022, another 80 camps a week. 

It is one thing to see the bird’s eye perspective, but examining the individual stories of those affected by these changes in legislature and ideology provides a much more intimate examination of the crisis. A houseless individual by the name of Aistheta Gleason told The Guardian the harrowing story of getting evicted from the house of pallets that they had constructed themselves. “The cops showed up, and Gleason says they were arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest, after a confrontation during which they initially refused to drop a walking stick. In the patrol car, they watched city workers dismantle the camp.” This is just one story from the countless forced dispersals authorized by the city, and the situation isn’t looking any better because of the increase.

Due to a lack of resources and funding into rehabilitation and housing for the countless individuals seeking shelter, combined with new bans on sleeping on the sidewalk and tent camping; these people are trapped in a legislative limbo. A study found that “only 10% of Portlanders swept in the raids remain in shelter, and fewer than 1% found permanent housing.”  The laws that aim to “clean the streets” do nothing but criminalize the act of being homeless; and without any sort of effective effort put towards social programs there will never be any real change. -Cole Marshall

Sources:

• https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2022/12/portland-has-dramatically-escalated-tent-sweeps.html

• https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/26/portland-oregon-homelessness-policy-change#:~:text=safe%2C%20permanent%20homes.-,Only%20about%2010%25%20of%20Portlanders%20swept%20from%20encampments%20and%20offered,county%2C%20where%20Portland%20is%20located.

Not one story fits all

Earlier this year a homeless women was interviewed by a local news outlet and when questioned about her living situation and what she does on a day-to-day, her responses were nothing but an astonishing eye opener which made her interview go viral. In the now infamous quote, "its a piece of cake" when questioning about being homeless, she made a few head turns and begs the question, is it really bad to be homeless?

Although it may seem like her makeshift home-tent, reliability of social services from the local community and the monetary help from the state, a well grounded evidence that some homeless people might not be willing to trade the nomadic lifestyle, for responsibilities and a safety net. This may not be the same situation for everyone.

Before turning heads on how much support she receives, and judge her "comfort" lifestyle, we must first analyze the demographics, dangers and unstable conditions homeless people face on a day-to-day basis. There are children, families altogether, minorities, single parents and elderly that fit the same criteria as the "piece of cake" women yet not all homeless story fit all, not all stories are "piece of cake".

In an article for The Oregonian the Scott Kerman states "highlighting one interview to discount the complicated causes behind our homelessness crisis ignores the real enabler of the widespread misery our collective inability to confront our lack of housing, our inadequate mental health care and our growing indifference to the systemic hurdles we ask individual to overcome" her further concludes " our homeless community is not a monolith" meaning that not one story fits all.

To learn more about the article please visit : https://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/2023/01/opinion-no-its-not-easy-being-homeless-in-portland.html 

 

Families in Homelessness

Homelessness discriminates no one. It can affect anyone at any age and in some cases entire families. According to Central Oregon, the State of Oregon had rank one of the worst in homelessness cases in America in 2022 with families including children who were living unsheltered at 59%. One of the realities that homeless families face is not only the worry of shelter for them and their small ones but also the fear of a safe place to spend the night and well as fearing the thought that if caught they would most likely be separated.

 

In May of this year, the Multnomah County in the Portland Region released their annual “point in time” count, an annual survey conducted by different agencies called Continuums of Care on behalf of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and found that children without shelter accounted for roughly a third of the total increase in homelessness within the county, as reported by KGW8 (NBC News).

 

Because of the concerns in safety and the fear to be separated, families (in their entirety) often go unnoticed either living in their cars, deep in the woods or never spending the night in the same area or spot. But for one case in particular a single mother identified as “B” said she lived at a DV (domestic violence) shelter for more than a year and there was drug use in the shelter and her and her children were surrounded it by every day, so instead she set up her tent deep in the woods near Gresham.

 

Her kids learned hypervigilance early on, she homeschooled them for about a year, she states “we lived in a little wooded area away from all the drug addicts and we always got to run around," one of her children also states, "I used to play my little imagination games in my own little world, it was really fun." They also spent some time camping under the Hawthorne Bridge, a common hotspot for homeless people seeking for shelter.

 

Fast forward a year later, “B” and her two children or "outside kids" live inside, in affordable housing. But their mother thinks the complex is unsafe. According to “B” she noted for the reporter for NBC News "Taking my kids from me and putting them in foster care is not what's going to keep them safe," said B. "Putting us in shelter situations where we can't regulate who's around us that's not going to keep us safe."

 

Furthermore, according to a recent statement from Brandi Tuck a director at Path Home a homeless shelter for families, he states “when you drive around Portland and see tent villages and RVs everywhere, you don't realize that there are thousands of kids with their parents without homes too. They're the invisible homeless population that hide for fear of something happening to their kids or the state taking their kids away."

 

Right now, there are 800 homeless families with children on housing waitlists in Multnomah County. Last year Path Home served 1,800 people, and more than half of them were children. Most of the children were under the age of five.

 

"The children that experience homelessness today can turn into the chronically homeless adults of the future, so unless we do something now to help these kids, we'll never be able to solve the issue of homelessness in Portland," - Brandi Tuck.

Yoga for Homeless Youth

Street Yoga, founded by Mark Lilly, offers yoga and wellness classes to homeless and sheltered youth in Portland, Oregon. Lilly’s staff of dedicated yogis volunteer at community sites including Outside In, The White Shield Center and New Avenues For Youth

“Although it’s tough to understand what these kids endure, they’re still kids. Street survival is simply their way of life. Street Yoga offers a safe, honoring, and welcoming space of continuity and commitment absent in days and nights filled with struggle.” -Lilly

Portland statistics indicate that 90 percent of its homeless youth have escaped violent households. Thirty-six percent of the females have been sexually abused, often by age seven, and 30 percent are sexual minorities, convinced that street life remains a safer haven for the complexities of sexual and gender differences. Some are abandoned or run away, escaping parental poverty, joblessness, alcohol, and drug abuse. Homeless and at-risk youth are preyed upon for sex, drugs and petty theft.

Lilly works closely with Street Yoga teachers to insure an understanding of the challenges the teenagers sustain. Trainings, meetings and open discussions via e-mail and website newsletters facilitate the how-to’s of interacting with scenarios unlike most. 

https://yogaunioncwc.com/street-yoga/

https://vocal.media/longevity/street-yoga-in-portland

Homelessness in Portland Oregon: A Multifaceted Approach

 

When you think of the city of roses, often you envision a big green city with people that are vibrant, creative and true to themselves. Eco-friendly and green everywhere you turn. Unfortunately, although many of those statements are correct, we chose to ignore the ugly side of the city. In this case it’s the homelessness crisis that has only been increasing in recent years and the lack of effort to fix this big issue. With that said, in order to make a drastic change to decrease the increasing rate of homelessness that is occurring in Portland, we need to take in consideration the ancillary issues contributing to it. Some examples that are but not limited to are food availability, economic status, education and many more barriers that make it hard for people to access resources provided by the city.

 

Thankfully a local organization attempting to address Homelessness in Portland Oregon is Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS). According to their website, PHFS offers immediate temporary assistance in regards to shelter and support for those that are experiencing homelessness that have children. They not only help by given them tools to create a long-term plan to find a permanent solution for housing, but they also empower and educate these families by helping them with services like job training, case management services and so much more. So much so, that they even help families get connected with other local non-profits that provide food and clothing. 

 

They have made a substantial positive change to the community, but there is still a long way to go. It is crucial that we as a society show up for those in need by showing our support to local nonprofits that are helping fight against homelessness. In order to take a step to be part of the much-needed change, please take the time and click the link to better inform yourself on the issue and read more about the many lives they’ve changed and on how you can donate or volunteer. Click this link to find out more.  

 

In the end we are all human and we all deserve to be safe and have a place to call home, especially children. 

 

Non-profit link: https://nonprofitoregon.org/news/oct2012/member_of_month

 

                                                              Homeless Camp Banning

   

 I think there is going to be a major situation arising in the mist because by banning someone who has a need is not going to solve the problem. Especially if the people already on fight or flight mode, just trying to live day bay day. Having a big tent sit up for the homeless to live and ask them to comply to a space that other bodies are going to live there as well. How are the families that are living in the streets going to take their kids there if some people in the streets are using drugs and that cause a whole other problem. Having city outreach workers going around a checking if people ar e going to comply or not is just unnecessary. We should be looking into ways they can have a job  and housing for their life sake you can’t just round them up like cattle homeless are still life that in a way needs guidance and understanding.

Next, in Multnomah County there are 5,200 people experiencing homelessness which it has increased by 30% increase from 2019. To me that is shocking that so many people are without a home. That is alarming so what happen to the money that the government or whomever gave Portland to fix this situation? Or how can we explain 5,200 people being without a home and what caused such raise? A proposal plan for sweeping plan is not going to do nothing but make the homeless feel more angry and uncared for. I think we need a plan that is going to help the homeless get back in society to help their situation. But what steps will be needed for this change? Will whatever it is it has to be done a in a urgency.

Homeless Youth Population Continues To Grow While Youth Centers Are Being Shut Down.

 

When we think of the homeless population in our community we think of them as a whole. But one thing to also bring awareness too is the amount of youth that are a part of these numbers. In a KGW article Blaire Best states that all of the tents that are lined up SW13th Ave between Main and Salmon Street are all under the age of 25. They are camped here specifically because it is across the street from a homeless youth resource center. At this youth center they offer everything from food to mental health services. While this is an incredible opportunity for these youth, the reason they are sleeping across the street is because there is just simply not enough room for everyone. These people are waiting for space to open up. But even without space this youth center allows them to use it as their own address. This way they can make sure they are getting their food stamps or just to simply feel like they have a home base. Because of the stability this youth center has given them there are even youth who have gotten jobs since they started staying there and have even found housing with help from the youth center. 

It seems to me that this youth center has had nothing but a positive outcome. So why has it been set for removal multiple times by the city of Portland over the past six plus months? Because of the garbage outside of the shelter it is considered “high-risk” and because of its location it falls under the Mayor’s emergency declarations which means it would fall under the category for a quick removal. While I do understand the garbage and discarded drug use being an issue, this could be resolved with the passing of Measure 110 and them funding recovery programs and giving the users a place to properly discard of drug use and used needles. While this isn’t ideal. I do believe it is what would be best for the rest of the public’s health to limit the number of people being exposed to used needles and other garbage waste. 

For more details on this issue go to https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/youth-homeless-camp-sw-portland-outside-in/283-889afa3e-eb39-430e-93f7-1952ee999d42

Another Try

 Everyone is still being affected by the Covid pandemic. One group that was left forgotten for some time was the homeless demographic during these troubling times. During this time, people lost their jobs, and an increase in rent in Portland of 40% year over since March 2021 caused a 30% increase in homeless compared to 2019 (Katie, 2022). To try to stop the spread of the virus, the CDC urged cities not to relocate these individuals and let them remain in place. This has caused many unsanctioned camps, and some residents are the cause of increased "crime, trash, human feces, open drug use, and blocked sidewalks" (Katie, 2022). 

For this reason, I urge community members to try to support plans that would fix the homeless issue because everyone has something to benefit from resolving this problem. The city of Portland has proposed a plan that will not only the relocation of these homeless but the mental recovery. A diversion program will allow for low-level criminal offenses to be avoided by the homeless as long as they undergo mental health or substance use treatment. The city approved an additional $27 million for the mitigation plan which $4 million is to build three sanctioned campsites and over $3 million to create a 50-person outreach team (Katie, 2022). For more information, I would encourage individuals to look at these blogs' resources. 

                                                        

Article link: https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/portland-oregon-passed-a-controversial-homelessness-mitigation-plan-here/636760/#:~:text=Banning%20unsanctioned%20encampments%20and%20establishing,health%20or%20substance%20use%20treatment.

Portland's Third Safe Rest Village Redefining Homelessness Solutions

Portland's Third Safe Rest Village Redefining Homelessness Solutions

In the middle of Portland's ongoing struggle with homelessness, a new support shelter has emerged: Urban Alchemy, the city's third Safe Rest Village. This rest village was highlighted in a recent article by OPB, presenting a transformative solution to the challenge of homelessness. Urban Alchemy goes beyond providing temporary shelter; it offers a way to make areas safer so people are no longer in danger of risks they are presented with.

Urban Alchemy serves as a sanctuary, offering a safe and secure environment for those experiencing homelessness. Tiny houses provide residents with more than just a roof over their heads; they provide a sense of dignity and stability. Urban Alchemy also strives to run the shelters by a trauma-based approach to help people with their needs. By providing a safe space to call their own, Urban Alchemy enables individuals to regain control over their lives, instilling a sense of empowerment and self-worth.

Urban Alchemy represents a beacon of hope in Portland's struggle with homelessness. By providing a sanctuary of dignity and empowerment, comprehensive support services, and a vibrant community, this village stands at the forefront of transformative solutions. To make a lasting change, we must support ideas like Urban Alchemy. By advocating for similar initiatives in other cities, we can drive meaningful progress within society. Let us advocate for change, working together to transform the lives of the homeless population and build a future where no one is left behind.

Article link: https://www.opb.org/article/2023/05/04/portland-to-open-third-safe-rest-village-homeless/

Non-profit response to proposed daytime camping ban

Tents on Portland's streets (https://www.kgw.com)

Last week the Portland City Council heard from citizens regarding the proposal by Mayor Ted Wheeler to ban camping in the daytime hours, from 8 am to 8 pm. The public testimony on May 31st was described as boisterous, with speakers on both sides of the issue earning repeated warnings from Wheeler that he would move the hearing to an online format. KGW News reported on this, noting the strong feelings from the public, who want to see the crime and drug use addressed as public safety concerns. Groups who serve the homeless population are asking where will people go during the day if the ban on daytime camping is adopted.

Two of the non-profit organizations who serve the vulnerable homeless asked some very pointed questions. Blanchet House feeds the elderly homeless and Rose Haven provides a day shelter and support for women and children. Both are serving at capacity now. They want to know what the City of Portland plans to do to help alleviate the surge in unsheltered homeless people seeking a place to rest during the day. As of yet there are proposals for six sanctioned mass camping sites, although no sites have opened.

One way to support the work of Rose Haven is to go to their Instagram site, and respond to specific needs. For more information on the services and other ways to give, you can visit their website here.

Blanchet House receives donations through their website.

For more information visit this link.

By Sam Valentine

Sidewalks opening up in Portland's Future?

 

                                                          Tents in Portland lined up in the streets (www.wcvb.com)

Portland has, for a little less than the past decade, been known for the tent cities and tents that fill the streets and sidewalks of the city. In recent history (March 2023) Propositions for laws that prevent street camping form 8am to 8pm have been proposed. By 2024 it is to be said that all Sidewalk and street blocking tents will be breaking the law and enforced upon. The city had created 6 new encampments meant for houseless individuals that need a lawful place to stay in their tents. 

The real question is will this be enforced? It seems that the state courts have passed and approved the removal of people in tents in streets and sidewalks based of the disabilities act because they block accessible travel paths for those with wheelchairs and other means of transportation. They have received the Government funding to enforce movements of tent camping in the city. I honestly question if this will actually be enforced still.

    

As a Portland resident I have seen police or PBOT enforcers trying to get homeless individuals in tents to move with very little success besides leading to an arrest, which is frowned upon in many social circles within Portland. It is an interesting issue that will definitely either develop as the removement of tent cities along busy city streets begins if it does begin at all. 

While many Portlanders are actually split on what to do with homelessness as an issue it does seem that tents in city along major and busy streets portrays as an issue for the majority of locals. Whether it stem from the trash, fecal matter, or obstruction to walking paths, there are reasonable issues to be brought up when discussing why the tents are an issue. In relation to that, how can we create a place for the people, trash, and fecal matter that is available for all individuals? These are the questions law makers and NGO's are trying to figure out.

By Christian Riley Fuller

For more information visit: https://apnews.com/article/daytime-camping-ban-homeless-portland-93d777405b45de4805c06aa1ae31c334

 

Oregon’s Proposed Senate Bill 603 Seeks to Increase Basic Needs Accessibility

 The Bill would Provide Food, Housing assistance to unhoused and low-income Oregonians

A proposed Bill in the Oregon Senate hopes to address the needs of unhoused and low-income Oregon residents through direct-payment assistance. According to the text of Measure 603B, the bill would ensure that “Participants in the program shall receive monthly payments of $1,000 for a 12-month period. Payments may be used for rent, emergency expenses, food, child care or other goods or services of the participant’s choosing.” The measure is designed solely for those who are at severe risk of housing instability or have already lost housing, and would be ineligible for anyone earning more than 60% of their region’s average income. 

If passed, this measure would be a historic move for the Oregon legislature. This type of program belongs to a category of policies referred to as “Basic Guaranteed Income Programs.” These types of policies were originally advocated by major civil rights leaders and organizations in the 1960s, such as the Black Panthers and Martin Luther King Junior. While test-runs of Basic Guaranteed Income are currently being carried out in LA, Chicago, and New Mexico, it has never been done before in Oregon’s history. 

It is important to note that if this measure is passed, it will only be a pilot: one of the Bill’s mandatory stipulations is that “The Portland State University Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative shall conduct a study on the costs and benefits and policy choices of providing cash assistance to Oregonians who are experiencing severe rent burden or homelessness.” If the program is successful, then the legislature will consider implementing longer-term Basic Guaranteed Income initiatives. 

Currently, proponents of Measure 603B note the proposed program’s ability to serve people who would not otherwise qualify for Federal assistance. Megan Person, a disabled and housing-challenged Oregonian who testified in favor of the bill, said that she was currently ineligible for Social Security Disability. “Accessing housing has been a long-term issue for me,” she said. “Due to a chronic illness, I am unable to work full time, but I am not disabled enough to access Social Security Disability…I have been homeless for a total of three years of my adult life so far.” 

If this measure is passed, Person, and people in similar situations, would likely receive $1000 a month for food and rent, for the full year that the pilot program is
implemented. 

How Increasing Minimum Wage Rates Affect Homelessness

    According to a 2022 report by the City of Portland and rent.com, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Portland area is $1572. At the time of this study last year, the minimum wage for the Portland Metro area was $14/hour, which means that the average minimum wage employee would need to work over 112 hours just to be able to afford their rent alone. When it comes to income, a general rule is that housing should not exceed 30% of your monthly income, however these prices in Portland force workers to pay significantly more than that 30% on a month-to-month basis. In fact, using this rule, affordable housing for minimum wage workers should be around $750 monthly in order to fit into that 30% rule, which is less than half of the actual average rent prices in Portland. 

    This heavy wage-to-housing disparity forces many low-income individuals and families to spend an excessive portion of their income on housing, which leaves them with smaller budgets for food, healthcare, transportation, and education. In some cases, those in poverty also have additional financial needs such as case management services or additional health-related issues that require money to be addressed. The consequences of such high housing costs not only increases the chance of individuals not being able to afford housing, but also prevents them from being able to afford their other basic needs. 

    It has been announced that next month on July 1st, the minimum wage in the Portland Metro area will increase again to $15.45 per hour. While the minimum wage increase is intended as a step towards economic fairness for hourly workers, it causes housing prices in the city’s area to continuously rise, and results in a widening of the gap between income levels and affordability. Historically, these wage increases have resulted in an increase in homelessness and deeper strains on social services.

For more information on this topic and the numbers mentioned in this post, as well as the graphic included, you can visit the Portland.gov website here: Help for Portland's Homelessness Crisis

For more information on the correlation between minimum wage increase, and how this could affect housing prices, visit this website: Oregon's Increasing Minimum Wage Rates

Navigating Portland's Homeless Crisis: Exploring Perspectives on Mayor Wheeler's Proposed Ordinance

 

    

 VIDEO Screenshot of KATU 2 ABC by Emily Girsch and KATU Staff

Wed, May 31st 2023, 4:13 PM PDT

  

 

  Starting July 1st, Portland Mayor Wheeler's ordinance aimed at regulating daytime camping and sidewalk camps as part of the city's response to the ongoing homeless crisis will be going into effect. 

 

    Mayor Wheeler's proposed ordinance seeks to address concerns surrounding daytime camping and sidewalk camps in Portland. The aim is to strike a balance between providing safe and humane conditions for people experiencing homelessness while also ensuring public safety and access to public spaces. The ordinance intends to regulate the location and manner of camping, considering factors such as proximity to schools, parks, and residences. The perspectives from Portlanders on Mayor Wheeler's proposed ordinance have some individuals express support for the measure, emphasizing the need to maintain cleanliness and safety in public spaces. They argue that regulating camping can help address health and sanitation issues while fostering an environment conducive to economic activity and community well-being. On the other hand, critics raise concerns about the potential criminalization of homelessness, highlighting the need for more comprehensive solutions such as increasing affordable housing options and expanding access to social services. 

    The issue of homelessness requires a delicate balance between compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness and ensuring public safety and quality of life for all community members. It is essential to recognize that homelessness is a multifaceted issue with underlying causes that extend beyond individual choice. While addressing immediate concerns regarding camping and sidewalk camps, it is equally crucial to invest in long-term solutions that address the root causes of homelessness, including affordable housing, mental health support, and access to social services. The complexity of the homelessness crisis demands collaborative efforts from multiple parties, including government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and community members. It is through partnerships and collective action that sustainable solutions can be identified and implemented. By fostering collaboration, we can pool resources, knowledge, and expertise to tackle the underlying issues contributing to homelessness and ensure that any ordinances or regulations are accompanied by supportive measures to help individuals transition out of homelessness.

    As Portland continues to grapple with its homeless crisis, it is vital to approach the issue with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to social justice. The proposed ordinance should be viewed as one component of a broader strategy rather than a standalone solution. By advocating for compassionate policies and supporting initiatives that address the root causes of homelessness, we can create a community where everyone has access to safe housing, essential services, and the opportunity for a better future. By considering the perspectives of Portlanders and maintaining a compassionate approach, we can engage in dialogue and collaboration towards finding sustainable solutions.

By Anel Samarron | Portland State University | Multimedia Capstone.

References:

Girsch, Emily and KATU Staff. "Portlanders weigh in on Mayor Wheeler's proposed ban on daytime camping." KATU News, 31 May 2023, 4:13 PM PDT, https://katu.com/news/local/portlanders-weigh-in-on-mayor-wheelers-proposed-ban-on-daytime-camping.

 

 

LGBTQ+ and the Portland Metro Community

              

 The reality of the perception of a is different from what is being lived in day to day. Homelessness  affects people around the world. The growing number of people in the Portland Metro area has skyrocketed in recent years. But the ones who probably are the most overlooked or who receive the least guidance or assistance is that of the LGBTQ+ community. Like other groups common factors can include mental health, poverty or domestic violence. Though the LGBTQA+ community do face these common factors that would cause homelessness, the most common factors are rejection of sexual orientation and sexual and domestic abuse causing them to run away and in turn become houselessness. This should draw attention to this group because healthcare can be very challenging to those in this community. Politics dictate their rights and so their rights for equality in many aspects of everyday life.

An article that was released earlier this year from KOIN news discusses the perception of Portland and its ongoing crisis of homelessness and safety for all groups of people in the community and specifically the LGBTQ+ community. It entails the struggles of people that identify within the LGBTQ+ community and the hardships faced being recognized as such. These few people that spoke with the news broadcast stated that it is quite a feat to go out and live. Jacob Reppeto, one of the persons interviewed said, " Its still scary to be out because you have no idea how that person across the street is going to react to you," (https://www.koin.com/pride/portlands-double-edged-lgbtq-reputation/). Not everyone identifies, and that is quite alright, but it would seem that trying to live comfortably in your body and mind ad to freely express who you are is becoming unsafe.

Reading another students thesis, Jay Tomlinson, another student who is clearly passionate about the happenings with the LGBTQ+ community, something caught my eye. The lack of research done to seek answer on LGBTQ+ community and poverty. Tomlinson brings up what I find silly, the myths surrounding gay affluence. By silly, I mean, why would someone who's sexual orientation, state of being or gender affect what choices I take in or make myself and practice everyday? The easy answer, it doesn't. Tomlinson goes on to describe the type of services that are going unmet for the community and how these people can gain access to assistance so that they made better their lives.

             Blog written by Tiffany Rauchenstein - Portland State University - Multimedia Capstone 2023

Sources:

https://www.koin.com/pride/portlands-double-edged-lgbtq-reputation/Blog written by Tiffany Rauchenstein - Portland State University - Multimedia Capstone 2023

https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2417&context=honorstheses#:~:text=Seventeen%20percent%20of%20LGBTQ%2B%20adults,day%20lives%20of%20queer%20people.

Images:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HawthorneBridge-Pano.jpg

https://community.solutions/pride-month-primer-lgbtq-homelessness/

https://www.travelportland.com/events/portland-pride/