Homelessness Isn't Just a Portland Problem

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When people think about homelessness in Oregon, many tend to associate the word with Portland. While it is true that Portland is one of the most prominent homeless hotspots in the state, let us not forget those who live in rural areas. Homelessness is an issue in many parts of the state, and we must also recognize small regions. According to Housing and homelessness are issues in rural Oregon, too by Eric Mortenson for The Other Oregon, housing is difficult to come by due to wealthier out-of-state individuals who create a competitive housing market with their high bid victories. Many locals looking to start a family can not afford it because of the lack of housing or the high prices.

To make matters worse, the minimum wage in rural areas is too low to live sustainably. For instance, the minimum wage in non-urban areas like Douglas, Klamath, Malheur, and others is $12.50. These people can not rely on community resources because there are not enough to pass around; Mortenson says it best, "Sparsely populated counties can't offer the mental health and other services needed to aid so many broken people." With that said, it is evident that homelessness is an issue all around Oregon that needs people from all over the state to find a solution. Letting the problem continue will result in the downfall of the lush green state we claim we are. Let us not mask the reality and instead call for officials to devise a long-term solution that puts its citizens first, whether they live on the eastern side or not.

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