While many people are in support of helping those in need, some citizens in the Portland area are against the idea of opening a camp in their neighborhood. Hazelnut Grove is a new homeless camp that opened up in the Overlook neighborhood. A large amount of support was given to open this camp, but there has also been a negative reaction from the neighbors who have advocated to remove this camp from their neighborhood.
Hazelnut Grove is not the only camp that has been in the media recently. Above is a picture of North Greeley Homeless Camp, which has been a safe place to sleep for many homeless in Portland. Recently, North Greeley experienced a "camp sweep" which consisted of government employees seizing all the tents, blankets, and supplies that the homeless had kept in the camp. According to Oregons law, these government officials have all rights to confiscate the homeless's things and store them for up to 30 days before they are allowed to get it back. Click here to watch the North Greeley campers property be swept without them knowing!
What I find most interesting about this situation is how the mayor is permitting these camps to take place but at the same time is allowing the homeless's property to be taken at random times. When a law enforcement agency takes the property, it forces the homeless to have to travel through the city, by foot, to retrieve their blankets, tents, carts, and any other material they have to help them get through the cold, rainy weather we have in Portland.
-Mahtaab Sanaee
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