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