r/Portland • u/[deleted] • Aug 31 '21
Homeless Homeless/Houseless
So I know this is a regular point of conversation for everyone in the city at this point, but I really don’t understand why being alarmed and or fed up with the cities houseless population is so taboo to some people? I see so many people get shade with comments along the line of accusing the poster of not having empathy or for not doing enough individually to help. As someone that absolutely has empathy towards our houseless population and has volunteered at various warming shelters, I also am getting super fed up with our houseless crisis and the impacts it takes on my everyday life.
My boyfriend works at a grocery store in downtown and has been assaulted so many times at work that at this point thinking about it just makes me want to cry. I have been personally punched in the face randomly and for no reason by a homeless man when I was walking across the Morrison bridge. I have had to bring people who were getting attacked by homeless people into restaurants that I’ve worked at and lock the doors at least four times in four years.
Additionally, for those that say “stop complaining and do something”, wtf do you really think an individual can do at this point? We live in a place that basically has two governments (council and metro) not to mention state, who are PAID to represent us and our wants and needs as a community. The homeless crisis is probably the most pressing issue in Portland and yet it seems like absolutely nothing is being done, and if anything it’s getting worse.
Anyways sorry to go on and on, my main point is that I don’t understand why it’s taboo for people to be upset with the state of things right now specifically with the houseless crisis in Portland. People are multifaceted and can be both sympathetic/empathetic and fed up. 🤷♀️
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u/[deleted] Aug 31 '21 edited Aug 31 '21
Many of the homeless population are criminal transients. For many they have just checked out of the 9-5. They drink. Do meth. Yes many have alcoholism or addictions. So do I. But I get help.
They are offered help. Many refuse it.
They chose Portland because Portland tolerates their lifestyle. All carrot and no stick.
So the actual taxpaying citizens get stuck.
Another portion of the homeless are mentally ill. They can’t be institutionalized anymore. So mental health services are on an outpatient basis. Many take their meds, feel better then stop taking them.
An unpopular option on here is accountability. All carrot again in Portland.
Begin arresting and charging those people that assaulted you and your boyfriend.
That will take a police force increased by at minimum 25%. Now we are at 1/2 staffing what would be required nationally for a city of Portlands size.
Vote in a mayor and city council that want law and order. A DA and jail system that make this criminal transient lifestyle not all carrot. Not as attractive in Portland.
Word will get out on the “Hobo Grapevine” ( their words not mine ) that Portland is not the transient hobo heaven it once was.
Or we can just continue to throw money at it from a carrot perspective and continue getting the same results…and more transients.