Vulnerable People and Places Blog

  A short video on three contributors to homelessness in Oregon. The aim of the Infovideo is to link mental health, substance use, and cost of living together and show that homelessness isn't as simple as "drugs = homeless". The homeless population are people too, with feelings and emotions and struggles just like everyone else. They are not lesser.  Transcript: There are many factors that contribute to homelessness. Most commonly:  Substance Abuse, Mental Illness, and Cost of Living Increases Homelessness isn’t as black and white as one may think. It’s the product of economics, mental and physical health, job loss, foreclosure, and many other things that can drive a household to the streets. Fentanyl has taken over Portland’s streets, with its low cost and prevalence making it a popular choice amongst substance abusers. It has also seen record overdoses and is recognized as one of the leading causes of death among people under the age of 50. The range of homeless person...

  In the Pacific Northwest lies the rainy city of Portland, Oregon, known for its progressive spirit and thriving cultural scene. But, under the surface of Portland's charm lies a pressing issue that demands our urgent attention: the devastating effects of drugs on houselessness. As we confront this rapidly growing crisis, it's crucial to recognize the gravity of the situation and rally together to implement effective solutions. The relationship between drugs and houselessness in Portland is undeniable. Countless individuals experiencing houselessness grapple with substance abuse disorders, turning to drugs as a means of escape from the harsh living conditions of life on the streets. Whether it's methamphetamine, opioids, or other substances, the impact is profound and far-reaching, affecting not only the individuals themselves but also the surrounding community. Drug use among homeless people in Portland makes their existing problems worse and keeps them trapped in poverty...

 It's 2024, and not only is the Portland Oregon area experiencing one of the worst winters in recorded history, it's also U.S. primary election season. Without delving too deeply into the political side of Portland Oregon, it's important to note the climates (both literally and figuratively) because I've learned over the years that the resources and services available for some of our most vulnerable populations largely depends on who is in office. I don't mean who our president is, I'm talking about all levels of government because almost anyone who can pick up a mobile device can easily recognize that any Nations "Commander in Chief" is really just a political puppet, sure they're the head puppet but they're a pawn in a rigged game of who has the power. For this reason, I am thankful the United States at least has term limits for the President because it's evident that with enough money and resources, you won't be impeached, or convic...

  Spreading Awareness to This Growing Issue/How to Help. First, let's set the scene to better understand the issue. Did you know that not only are homeless people more likely to become mentally ill (see below for definition), but mentally ill people are more likely to become homeless! "30-40% of those experiencing homelessness have a mental illness" (Homeless Hub) and that number can jump even higher to around 75% internationally if you also include substance abuse. To compare, "Only 6% of Americans are severely mentally ill" (National Coalition for the Homeless). I know I have noticed, especially here in Portland, the number of homeless people seems to only be increasing every year and there are a number of various effects that homelessness can do to a person. It's not only extremely tiring, but lack of food, water, shelter, and/or clothes will definitely cause your mental status to change in a numerous amount of ways. The quality of life these people are l...

For many, the response of Portland, Oregon’s Mayor Ted Wheeler, to the ever-growing houseless issue in Portland is too little too late. After being elected mayor in 2016 and reelected in 2020, it has taken more than a third of his time in office to propose a solution to provide affordable housing and authorized houseless camps in the city, according to  OPB . The belated response comes after years of criticism, public embarrassment, and harassment. Hank Sanders from the local news organization  Willamette Week   interviewed Wheeler about the details of these volatile encounters from angry constituents after receiving a public lashing for his lackluster actions in these crises.  Image Source: KGW8 Please take the time after reading to fill out this short survey! Thank you. https://forms.gle/MrsHML16woC5pkBW6 In defense of Wheeler, the houseless problem has been an issue worldwide before Wheeler’s time in office and has grown exponentially since the COVID-19 crisis. Ma...

Image Source There's no small sum of homelessness-oriented nonprofits operating in and around Portland. They cover issues ranging from everyday necessities like food, seasonally appropriate clothing, and temporary shelter to more permanent solutions such as creating and advocating for affordable housing as well as providing services that help the homeless regain financial stability (e.g., through job training, connections with viable opportunities). These are all wonderful, providing essential services that all help to alleviate various aspects of the homelessness issue, but there is always more to be done. Nicole Hayden, writing for Oregon Live, shares an interview with Robert Magee-Coffin and his neighbors that elucidates some unmet needs of the Portland homeless population. They identify a need for more behavioral health services, alternate shelters (established indoor shelters prove insufficient and often undesirable), housing advocacy, trash removal, and access to additi...

As the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has turned over into the 2021 year, it has heavily impacted the ability of society to get together socially and has caused high amounts of financial burden, large impacts on mental health, and increasingly stressful times for many families in our communities due to unemployment rates and the drastic cuts of working hours for the working population. But the pandemic hasn't only affected working families, it has had a large impact on the homeless communities as well as the service providers who are on the front lines working at shelters, or those who are providing housing services when our society is still in its phases of lockdown. Specifically in Hawaii, the state has worked to reopen public restrooms and facilities for the homeless populace alongside the help of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health. As the worry for mental health alongside the pandemic has risen without the proper basic needs being met for all of the individua...