I Am Not Invisible

 

I Am Not Invisible

 

I am a man.  I am a woman.  I am a child.  I am a person.

I feel.  I think. I care.  I love.

I need help.  I want help.

I am unsheltered.

Many people passing by our cardboard pallets and dirty tents that line the streets, turn a blind eye.  Why?  Perhaps it’s because they believe that someone else is helping us change our situations. Or because they believe that we choose homelessness.  Or maybe it’s because we don’t fit into their neat, tidy version of reality. We are, most likely and contrary to what you might believe, not here by choice. And if I did choose homelessness, it was because being unsheltered was the lesser of two evils from which I had to choose.

In 2024, there were nearly 23,000 “unsheltered” people in Oregon – 54 out of every 10000.  Between 2007 and 2024 there was a 30% jump in homeless population (1).  The top three reasons for homelessness are lack of affordable housing, substance abuse and mental health issues.

According to the portland.gov website, today Portland “has the highest unsheltered homeless rate in the city’s history, with 5,398 people living unsheltered at the last count. Meanwhile, unsheltered people are dying in unprecedented numbers. Some 456 people died unsheltered in Multnomah County in 2023, an increase of 477% since 2017” (2). These are sobering facts.  Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has a plan to address this humanitarian crisis. 

Here’s what you can do to help… Learn more about the mayor’s plan (2).

• Read a detailed presentation on the Mayor’s blueprint for ending unsheltered homelessness. Or Watch the Mayor present his blueprint to Portland City Council.
• Learn more about Portland Solutions, the agency leading the city’s response to the homeless crisis.
• Learn more about City Shelter Services.
• See what we’re doing to reduce the impact of urban camping on neighborhoods.

 

Please see us.

Please acknowledge us.

Please treat us with dignity and respect.

 

(1  (1)  https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/homeless-population-by-state#title

(2   (2) https://www.portland.gov/mayor/keith-wilson/news/2025/1/27/mayor-wilson-presents-blueprint-end-unsheltered-homelessness

 

 

Hidden Pain – How A Lack Of Dental Care Worsens Living Situations For Homelessness & Unsheltered

More Than Just A Toothache

When you think of someone experiencing homelessness or living unsheltered, the causes that first come to mind may be; unemployment, substance abuse, mental or physical illness, lack of affordable housing, domestic violence, etc. Though these issues are what can cause or lead to homelessness, the state of your body and mind becomes so damaged it is hard to escape a period of homelessness once one begins. Homelessness affects one's ability to eat, sleep, or interact with normal, everyday people. However, one issue that is underlooked in this is how poor dental health can worsen conditions of homelessness.

The Cycle Of Poor Oral Health

When we apply for a job, a loan, or even are in public settings, our physical appearance means a lot. That goes for the clothes we wear and our physical appearance. When folks are experiencing homelessness, it is very difficult to have a professional or clean appearance. A major issue has to do with the access of oral and dental health. With poor oral health, one's physical appearance may be seen in a negative way. Trying to find employment or finding housing may be difficult to accomplish with poor oral health due to potential threats of foul smelling breath, gum disease, or tooth decay.

Physical appearance matters a lot especially when applying for a job. Without a job to provide a stable income, it makes it extremely difficult to escape being homeless. To expand off of this cycle, it is not just employment that is affected but also one's personal health. Risk of tooth decay and gum disease can lead to oral infections and other diseases that are harder to cover. With a lack of adequate access to healthcare, dental and oral health infections can worsen one's overall health. 

Organizations Providing Solutions

Fortunately, some programs are working to bridge the gap:

• National Health Care for the Homeless Council – Advocates for better healthcare access for homeless individuals, including dental care.

• Mission of Mercy – Provides free dental services through mobile clinics in various U.S. states.

• Remote Area Medical (RAM) – Offers free pop-up dental clinics for those in need, including the homeless.

 

Restoring Dignity: How Dental Care Helps Homeless Veterans Build Their Healthy Life

Unforeseen Health Issues Among Veterans

When we typically think of the struggles that homeless veterans endure returning from combat, we typically think of broader issues such as mental health and unemployment. As these issues are very devastating and disastrous to both one's mental and physical well being, one specific area that is severely under
looked is their access to healthcare. More specifically, is their access to oral and dental health. 

Why Homeless Veterans Struggle With Dental Care

Dental care is not fully covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) unless a veteran is 100% disabled or was a prisoner of war. Because of these strict requirements, there are still thousands of homeless veterans who have no access to basic oral care or even tools to maintain oral hygiene. Because of this, many suffer from tooth decay, gum disease, and various oral infections. 

With poor oral hygiene from lack of access and affordability, this makes it harder to find a job. Without being able to have a stable income, it makes it even harder for veterans to be able to receive the care that they need. 

Programs Reaching Out

Despite the struggles that veterans face regarding their oral healthcare, we still see that there are other various sources and networks reaching out to help 

• The VA Homeless Veterans Dental Program provides partial care depending on the health and current diagnoses of a veteran

• Stand Down Events across the country is a group of volunteers who come together to help veterans be given food, clothing, and health screenings, as well as referrals to housing, employment, substance abuse treatment, and mental health counseling

• Nonprofit organizations like Homeless Not Toothless is a great source for homeless and unsheltered individuals to have oral care they desperately require

Why This Matters

Despite the major political divide in our country, one thing should be very clear; we need to treat our veterans when they return home. As these men and women help protect us from potential threats around the world, they deserve to be treated with the proper care they deserve upon returning home. Similar to post World War II, we should strive as a country to help our veterans return to their feet by offering more access to services including oral and dental healthcare. Dental care should not be a privilege, it should be a right to every American and especially those who have sacrificed their lives for our country. 

Resources To Reach Out 

Homeless Not Toothless 

https://www.homelessnottoothless.org/

Stand Down Events

 https://www.va.gov/homeless/events.asp