In a move that has roused conversation in Multnomah County, local official Commissioner Rene Gonzalez took to X to announce a halt in the purchase of tents and tarps intended for the homeless population. "Following negotiations with my office, Multnomah County Chair has committed to cease purchase of tents/tarps by JOHS while developing jointly approved policy governing harm reduction in the city," Gonzalez stated on X last Wednesday. “This is an important step in cleaning up Portland,” as reported by FOX 12.
The pause in procurement was confirmed by Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, who directed that the Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS) temporarily stop buying these materials. The news broke as the Portland City Council deliberated on continuing the funding of JOHS for another three-year span. However, the council deferred a definitive vote to an upcoming meeting after approving several alterations to the agreement, according to KGW.
Gonzalez, who is currently a candidate in the mayoral race, has criticized the county's approach to handling homelessness, specifically targeting policies related to the distribution of tarps and tents. His stance points to the negative impact on what he calls the "city's livability and the ability for small businesses to thrive", a sentiment that seems to raise the issue of how urban spaces interact with the homeless crisis. Gonzalez expressed these concerns ahead of a vote on a significant collaboration agreement between Portland and Multnomah County concerning the reduction of homelessness.
The decision to stall the procurement comes amid ongoing debates over the best methods to address the growing visibility of homelessness in Portland. While some view the provision of tents, and tarps as an enabling factor that contributes to unsightly street scenes, others argue that these supplies are necessary for the safety and survival of those without shelter. The statement by Jessica Vega Pederson obtained by The Oregonian made no indication of how long the pause would last or what the development of new policies might entail, leaving stakeholders and observers with questions about the county's long-term strategy for aiding its homeless residents.
