The ongoing struggle to manage homelessness in Portland saw a mix of concerted efforts and climate-related adjustments in the past week. According to a recent report, the Street Services Coordination Center (SSCC) worked in collaboration with various city departments to address campsites that present the most significant health and safety risks to the community.
Last week’s operations were notably impacted by extreme heat, leading Multnomah County to declare a state of emergency on August 22nd, which put a hold on campsite removals. The report stated, “The City will not require people to move during campsite cleanups” in such an event. The pause, however, was temporary as camp removal operations resumed on Monday following the lifting of the emergency declaration.
Despite the heat-induced interruption, the SSCC still managed to offer shelter referrals for those displaced from high-risk campsites. Data indicates that “34 people expressed an interest in a shelter referral” last week, while “20 people accepted shelter referrals.” Furthermore, the report shared a more extensive tally, revealing that “Total shelter referrals since April 11, 2022: 7,838” with “Total people who have used a shelter bed: 2,507.”…