Areas in need of progress
Homelessness, Mental Health & the Drug Crisis
Advocating for Real Solutions For Homelessness, Mental Health, and the Drug Crisis.
Portland's streets have become a scene of both danger and degradation for all its residents, a direct result of years of inconsistent funding and policy changes at both city and county levels. The city's fragmented social service system has abandoned individuals battling severe mental illness and addiction, leaving them to suffer in public view. The lack of accessible treatment options leaves those who desperately need help stranded, while the broader community and businesses bear the consequences of a failing social system.
To address the deteriorating street conditions, the city and county leadership must simultaneously increase addiction treatment availability and enforce regulations aimed at improving public spaces, even when facing political backlash. While relying solely on law enforcement has proven ineffective, Portland has yet to implement a comprehensive strategy. This strategy should encompass a variety of solutions, such as reviving regional mental health facilities, broadening treatment choices (including court-ordered treatment), and increasing police presence, all executed in a coordinated effort across city and county departments.
The Current Predicament
Failed Bureaucracy
Despite massive city and county expenditures on social programs, a lack of interagency cooperation and lack of coordination between contracted providers hinders effective solutions to the crisis.
Unregulated Camping
The proliferation of homeless encampments poses significant fire risks and compromises the overall safety of both residents and visitors.
Streets as Emergency Rooms
Because individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues cannot be mandated into treatment, the streets have become de facto waiting rooms, offering no route to recovery for those who decline assistance.
3 Keys to Progress
Unified City & County Action: For optimal results, city and county agencies need to operate in harmony, delivering treatment on demand and holding service providers responsible.
Restoring Public Trust: Officials must uphold the city's social contract by enforcing laws that guarantee safe and accessible streets for everyone, residents and businesses alike.
Expanded and Responsive Care: A wider range of drug treatment options, including the possibility of court-ordered treatment, must be readily available and swiftly delivered.