Oregon allows city-sanctioned homeless camps on no more than two parcels per city. HB 2916 allows as many camps as Portland wants, wherever they want them.
Now that this legislation was passed into law, every neighborhood in Portland is fair game. Under previous Oregon law (ORS 446.265), municipalities may establish "transitional housing accommodations" (camps) on no more than two parcels per city. HB 2916 removed these limitations.
The Neighborhood of St. Johns will be the first to receive one of these camps.
Letter to the Senate Committee from St Johns neighbors
Over 170 families signed the below letter requesting the Senate Housing Committee to prohibit homeless camps within 1000 feet of schools and seniors. Sadly, the Senate did not amend the bill.
“Every neighborhood in Portland will be asked to find a spot to put a homeless camp.”
- Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz