Portland's Homeless Villages

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 Cameron Parker 

Multimedia 

Portland's Homeless Villages


            One article that really stuck out to me was "Some of Portland's homeless villages struggle to reach full capacity. Here's why." It talked about how there are so many homeless people on the street and not moving into the multiple villages across the city of Portland that the state worked so tirelessly on. The main reason for this isn't because theres not enough beds or places for individuals to sleep at. The villages let you bring your families and pets in, but the one rule that isn't allowed is no drugs and that's the deciding factor on why the homeless would rather set up shop on the streets versus sleeping with a bed and other resources for you. 

    The article stated that "After reaching out to 10 organized homeless villages, KGW found it's not uncommon for these types of emergency shelters to have empty beds, and the reason for this isn't black and white. There are many guidlines that villagers at certain sites must follow, such as having a curfew and being sober." Aimee Miller, who works at Agape Village who was homeless five years ago said "the only way to get a better life is to make that first decision to change something that you don't want to change.. it's frustrating seeing people not want to take advantage of that and continue to make the choices to be stuck in the cycle that they're in."  While there are multiple villages that are open, there are also some that stay busy and full. Saying no to drugs and going to a place that is free, should be enough of a boost to want to change your lifestyle. Unfortunately it's hard for the homeless to get out of that cycle and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Here is the link with the story as well as which of the homeless villages stay busy and the ones that are open. 


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/portland-e2-80-99s-homeless-villages-aren-e2-80-99t-always-full-despite-the-number-of-people-on-the-streets-heres-why/ar-AA10cFmi 



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