
The Street Services Coordination Center released its latest report on Portland’s efforts to manage homelessness. It discusses the challenge of balancing street management with the need for accessible shelter amid the city’s housing and public health issues, according to the City of Portland.
The Street Services Coordination Center's Homelessness and Urban Camping Impact Reduction Program works with first responders and municipal departments to address homelessness and campsite conditions. In the past week, 2,291 campsite reports were received, and since April 2022, the program has made 6,189 shelter referrals, with 2,054 individuals utilizing shelter beds, as reported by the City of Portland.
Portland's Homelessness and Urban Camping Impact Reduction Program assessed 884 campsites, found 631 active ones, and removed 143 hazardous sites, collecting waste and biohazards. They offered 54 shelter referrals, but only 38 were accepted, and 16 resulted in actual shelter use, reflecting the city’s ongoing efforts to provide stable housing for the homeless, as stated by the City of Portland.