Truth About Tents
Why Does It Seem Like There Are More Tents in Certain Areas? Here’s What’s Happening
We have seen a substantial increase in tents, especially along 14th and 15th and between 15th and 16th on Johnson, Kearney, and in other areas that are covered by the 405 overpass. While the winter weather has a lot to do with people in tents taking cover from the rain, the clearing of Naito Parkway, especially around the temporary Ice-Rink, the clearing of major issues along SW 14th near Salmon/Taylor that were cleaned up by the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), and the city having pushed people to find shelter elsewhere have been major factors as well.
We are all hopeful that Mayor Wilson will help bring change in 2025, and as part of that change, important data about who lives on the streets is needed. According to a recent article in Oregon Live, an estimated 66% of people experiencing homelessness live unsheltered.
It’s not just Portland. Nationwide, the numbers are not getting better. The number is up 18% from last year's count. According to new data on homelessness by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 770,000 people were living in shelters or outside in January, according to a study on homelessness by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Notably, the survey excluded data from Oregon, the only state that did not conduct a Point-in-Time (PIT) Count in most of its jurisdictions in 2024. Oregon will conduct a survey of the homeless on January 20-25, 2025.
Impact on NWCC: The NWCC humanitarian team will still be out there helping people, but if we post any camps for removal, they will not be done until after the count is finished.
Please reach out with any questions chase@nwccpdx.org
Point in Time Count links:
