PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — As part of its ongoing series “A Year in Downtown,” KATU is revisiting a section of downtown Portland to measure progress in the city’s response to homelessness and substance use.
The focus remains on one area bounded by West Burnside Street and Southwest Harvey Milk Street, and Southwest 11th Avenue and Broadway. Many residents and business owners have identified the block as emblematic of downtown’s struggles with homelessness and open-air drug activity.
By returning to the same location over time, the series aims to track tangible changes and persistent challenges.
Outreach on the Streets
Outreach workers with the city and Multnomah County walk the area daily, offering resources to people living on the streets. Rather than waiting for individuals to seek help, they approach them directly…