What are sanctioned homeless camps and what are they doing for Portland?

In recent years, Portland has faced a growing homelessness crisis, with the number of unsheltered people in the city increasing significantly. In response to this, the city has established sanctioned homeless camp locations, which provide a safe and regulated environment for people experiencing homelessness to live in. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and challenges of these sanctioned homeless camp locations in Portland.

Portland is known for its progressive policies and dedication to providing support for those in need. One area where this is especially true is in the city's approach to addressing homelessness. In recent years, Portland has implemented a number of sanctioned homeless camp locations throughout the city. These camps are intended to provide a safe, secure space for those experiencing homelessness, while also helping to address the issue of unsheltered individuals in the city.

Sanctioned homeless camps are designated areas where people experiencing homelessness can set up temporary shelter. These camps are typically managed by non-profit organizations and offer a variety of services, including access to bathrooms, showers, and other basic amenities. Sanctioned camps are different from traditional homeless encampments in that they are authorized by the city and must adhere to certain regulations, such as sanitation standards and safety protocols.

Are there benefits?

One of the primary benefits of sanctioned homeless camps is that they provide a stable, safe environment for individuals experiencing homelessness. This can be especially important for those who are living on the streets, as it can be incredibly difficult to find a secure place to sleep each night. In a sanctioned camp, individuals can set up their tents or other shelter and know that they will be protected from the elements and have a relatively stable place to sleep.

Sanctioned homeless camp locations provide a number of benefits for people experiencing homelessness. First and foremost, they offer a safe and regulated environment for people to live in. These locations often have security personnel on site and enforce rules and regulations to maintain order and ensure the safety of the residents.

They often provide access to basic amenities, such as showers, toilets, and garbage disposal. This can help prevent the spread of disease and improve overall sanitation in the area. In addition, some locations may offer social services, such as job training or counseling, which can help people experiencing homelessness get back on their feet.

These camp locations can provide a sense of community and support for people who may otherwise feel isolated and alone. By living in close proximity to others who are going through similar experiences, residents can build relationships and support systems that can help them cope with the challenges of homelessness.

Additionally, sanctioned homeless camps often offer a range of services that can help individuals experiencing homelessness get back on their feet. These services can include everything from job training and employment assistance to mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment. By providing access to these resources, sanctioned camps can help individuals move out of homelessness and into more stable living situations.

Offering a safe and regulated environment for people to live in is extremely valuable. These locations often have security personnel on site and enforce rules and regulations to maintain order and ensure the safety of the residents. They are known to provide access to basic amenities, such as showers, toilets, and garbage disposal. This can help prevent the spread of disease and improve overall sanitation in the area. In addition, some locations may offer social services, such as job training or counseling, which can help people experiencing homelessness get back on their feet. 

A sense of community and support for people who may otherwise feel isolated and alone is also an advantage to these models. By living in close proximity to others who are going through similar experiences, residents can build relationships and support systems that can help them cope with the challenges of homelessness.

In Portland, there are several sanctioned homeless camps currently in operation. These include the Kenton Women's Village, which provides shelter specifically for women experiencing homelessness, and the Hazelnut Grove camp, which offers a community-focused environment where residents work together to manage the camp and provide support for each other.

A recent example is mayor Ted Wheeler’s plan to utilize an underdeveloped Central Eastside parking lot, in what's known as 'The Clinton Triangle'. Perspective interviews of homeless people living in Portland can be found in this story. 

What is the downside?

Despite the many benefits of sanctioned homeless camp locations, there are also some significant challenges associated with them. One of the biggest challenges is finding suitable locations for these camps. Many communities are resistant to having homeless camps in their area, and there are often concerns about crime, drug use, and other issues. One common criticism is that these camps may simply move the problem of homelessness from one area to another, rather than actually solving the underlying issues that lead to homelessness in the first place. Additionally, some have raised concerns about safety and sanitation in the camps, particularly as they continue to grow in size and complexity.

Another challenge is the ongoing maintenance and management of these camps. In order to be effective, these locations must be well-maintained and staffed by trained personnel. However, this can be expensive and can strain city budgets.

Finally, there is some concern that sanctioned homeless camp locations may not address the root causes of homelessness. While they can provide a safe and regulated environment for people to live in, they do not necessarily address issues such as lack of affordable housing, mental health challenges, and substance abuse.

Overall, however, the implementation of sanctioned homeless camps in Portland represents a step forward in the city's efforts to address the issue of homelessness. By providing a safe, secure space for individuals to set up temporary shelter, along with access to a range of support services, these camps offer a promising solution to a complex problem. As the city continues to work on addressing homelessness, it will be interesting to see how the use of sanctioned camps evolves and adapts to the changing needs of the community. 

Sanctioned homeless camp locations are an important tool in addressing the homelessness crisis in Portland. They provide a safe and regulated environment for people experiencing homelessness, and can offer access to basic amenities and social services. However, there are also significant challenges associated with these camps, including finding suitable locations, ongoing maintenance, and addressing the root causes of homelessness. Ultimately, while sanctioned homeless camp locations are an important part of the solution, they must be coupled with broader efforts to address the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness.

Aya Boutwell

Winter 2023