From Dignity Village to Dignity City
Here's an idea that's sure to be controversial: The City of Portland is going to allow "religious institutions" and "nonprofit agencies" to run homeless camps on their properties, with up to four vehicles each. This includes campers and trailers, so that the numbers of "guests" could conceivably be a dozen or more. City codes will not be enforced.
We guess that's one way to clean up the homeless problem downtown -- export it to every neighborhood in the city. It sounds quite modest, not to mention Good Samaritan-like, but no doubt it will soon be twisted into something that neighbors aren't going to like. Between this and all the off-the-books camping already going on in people's yards, Portland's got a sad look these days.
| Posted at 5:15 PM | Permalink |
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Comments (6)
"City codes will not be enforced."
Amazing how frequently Sam Adams has been doing that lately.
Complying with city codes is for the little people...
Posted by Random | December 14, 2011 5:44 PM
And has any one else seen the tents right down along the Willamette River just east of the St. Johns bridge? I counted 3 the other day when we drove across. They are located not that far from the boat launch ramp where there is water and toilets are available too.
What are the rules about camping there, I wonder?
Posted by Portland Native | December 14, 2011 6:38 PM
I'm not sure this is aimed at cleaning up the homeless problem downtown. This sounds like it's trying to address the RVs and trailers that people are already living in, parking on neighborhood streets, at least in my part of the Southeast. You even begin to recognize individual vehicles as they migrate around staying at this place or that for a day or two.
I saw one blue RV for months with 2 little kids who would come out and play, as it parked for a day or two here or there, and then moved on.
Another time a huge RV parked right by my house with a guy in it, and it was definitely crowding us, especially with the engine running all night sending exhaust fumes into the house. I found out the rules: There are certain vehicles that can only be parked on the street for loading and unloading, then they have to be moved to private property.
I actually talked with the driver and he moved on, but this is when I began to notice these vehicles more. There's a street by Walgreens that always has a couple.
So, this could be a case of the government doing something about a problem that needs some attention. I hope it works better than the situation now.
Posted by Bill McDonald | December 14, 2011 9:29 PM
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=2919916&page=1#.TumUEnLnu1w
In Wealthy Santa Barbara, Some Call a Parking Lot 'Home'
Posted by clinamen | December 14, 2011 10:51 PM
Gotta live some where. Note that the majority of the RV people are trying their best to be unobtrusive. To fly under the radar. If there is an issue you can ask them to move and it is very easy for them to do.
I once lived in a van I had modified. Better than being homeless. Better than a tent and arguably preferable to paying rent. Got up every morning, went to the gym, showered and went about my day. It was fun.
Just about any Walmart parking lot will let you stay overnight. It's either part of their policy or just happened that way. Check it out next time you drive by one. There's almost always an RV out there.
Posted by Jo | December 14, 2011 11:32 PM
I am a non-profit.
I oppose corporate supremacy.
Posted by pdxnag | December 15, 2011 5:53 AM