Sweeps With Care: A Testimony of John Collins

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    Just last week, on November 13, 2025, John Collins, a formerly unhoused individual, shared his testimony with the Portland City Council. 
     Six months ago, Collins was on the streets, living in a tent, getting swept off the block, only to move to the next street without any complications. One day, John was yet again swept off his street, but instead of just moving across the block, he was presented with an opportunity by an outreach worker to stay at the Multinoma safe rest village. This shelter not only allowed John to stay in a warm bed for months, but it also gave him access to amenities and help, allowing Collins to secure a full-time job and attend school as a result of this treatment.  
    Collin testified his approval of sweeps as long as there is an offer of help and recovery, which he says is possible because “every time I’ve called, there hasn’t been one day where they’ve said there’s no shelter.” John has now graduated from the sheltered village and is living in an apartment, spreading his testimony throughout the streets and helping everyone he can find the help they deserve. 
    Collins' testimony proves that help is out there and that hundreds of beds are free to use every day. The only problem is the lack of awareness by unhoused individuals about these amenities. Sweeps occur every day throughout the Portland Multinova area, yet the offer for shelter and care doesn’t get said. For change to take place in the PDX, this accountability needs to be MANDATORY. The issue then presents the questions: Why is this treatment kept so hidden, and why aren’t sweepers being taught these essential needs? 
    Watch John Collin’s full testimony here to find out more about the current state of sweeps and the importance of offering sheltered care:

References:

YouTube, YouTube, www.youtube.com/live/F2iONpeO1O0?t=29556s. 

Wilson, Keith. “Thank You for Sharing Your Voice.” Portland.Gov, 22 Nov. 2025, www.portland.gov/mayor/keith-wilson/news/2025/11/13/thank-you-sharing-your-voice.

 

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