Vulnerable People and Places Blog

 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...

     Homelessness exists across the developed world, and no matter how small, a percentage of any country’s population is homeless. The problem is difficult to remedy, especially in modern democracies where societies are placing a greater emphasis on inclusion. In 2018, people seen sleeping on the streets or seeking shelter are also seen in major cities and economies around the developed world. A strange phenomenon despite the economic prosperity. While countries may differ in how they find, calculate and report on homeless data, one thing is clear. Homelessness exists all over the world. Generic outreach work with the chronic homeless population often fails to achieve its goal. The challenge is to successfully engage and ultimately place clients into appropriate shelter, substance abuse treatment, or permanent housing settings. Premature termination from placement settings, however, may be the norm rather than the exception. If outreach providers and the facilities that ...

  Photo by Jonathan Kho Ming Jun on Unsplash This isn't a problem subject to one place. This is a problem that grows in areas unknown. They hide in caves. The hide in forests. They hide in areas they know no one will go.  While yes, they're safer here, And no, we don't have many here- They're still here. They come out in the daylight and stand on the corner. They ask politely, "may I have a quarter?" No. No.  Yes. Here's a dollar. No. Get a job. They make so little,  It's their innocence that's robbed. Nobody listens. Not to us, at least. We're too far from the source. "They're better off there–I'm sure they can work." Maybe this is why everyone goes. Maybe they're tired of feeling alone. Maybe. We shouldn't leave them alone.