A familiar sight, which our communities have worked so hard to improve, is on the rise again. Homelessness and the number of unhoused individuals are on the incline, and there are many reasons why. From economic conditions to the fact that Portland is pushing its population out, Washington County and Hillsboro are once again seeing increases in the number of unhoused individuals. Back when COVID was raging and the early 2020s were underway, tents and makeshift camps were popping up in many places. Our communities were unable to address the problems. However, we all worked hard, and things improved significantly.
From the increase in Winters Shelters in Hillsboro to Beaverton’s year-round shelter, there are better options out there now. Additionally, several City of Hillsboro and County services have come together to support individuals with mental health needs, addiction services, job placement, and long-term housing. Hillsboro’s 75-bed year-round shelter is on track to provide housing for an additional 75 people, which will have a significant impact as our community continues to face these trying times. The biggest challenge will be maintaining options in 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. The graph line of the Point In Time Count for 2025 is leading North, and that is not good. There is also a slight increase in the number of unsheltered people.
Notice that the number of people documented as Homeless has increased by 167 over the past two years, but the unhoused numbers have increased by only a small amount. That is a positive outcome. However, we still have more work to do, as any increase is undesirable. It is very enlightening to read.
In Hillsboro, many of us have noticed the concentration of campers in the areas around OHSU Westside, which was formerly known as Tuality. The Block 67 area has also seen an increase. In the News released today, the City has revised and restricted additional areas around the hospital and Project Homeless Connect, which is on 6th Street between Oak and Baseline. This means that camping (from Dusk to Dawn) is restricted in these areas, and a portion of Block 67 that was previously open to camping is no longer allowing it. This is the area that the City of Hillsboro’s news release indicates has been further restricted.
We need to encourage and support all those working in this field.
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Homelessness: Camping Areas Updated in Downtown Hillsboro
Overnight camping will no longer be permitted in two identified areas of Downtown Hillsboro, pictured below, starting on July 1. These updates are in alignment with the City of Hillsboro’s camping rules.
During a quarterly review, the two areas were identified as being located within restricted zones. Proactive community outreach is underway, and enforcement will begin July 1…