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By Hannah Kemeny
Waking up bundled in blankets, the sun seeping through the curtains of a two story house. The tv being turned on, the heat turned up and sausage sizzling on the stove.
This morning may seem like an ordinary day that any family may experience. But the reality is far different for thousands of people in Oregon. Families are waking up huddled in cars, having to choose between a new pair of socks or a meal.
The United States Interagency Council of Homelessness found that in 2020 over 14,000 people in Oregon are experiencing homelessness. And the numbers have only increased since 2020.
In Clackamas county alone, the council said almost one thousand people are experiencing homelessness in our community.
This social, economic and public health issue continues to rampage throughout the United States. What is being done to help these individuals? What are some of their biggest needs?
The Rundown On Homelessness
The “National Coalition for the Homeless,” said that people often become homeless to escape from abuse, trauma and largely due to employment. Drugs and alcohol are also a contributing factor, but more often than not it is actually a result of homelessness, not a cause.
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) conducted a survey asking the local homeless population what they need. Among some of the responses were access to showers, clean clothes, access to mental health clinics, hygiene products, transportation, and more shelters that offer a place to stay long term. It’s also difficult to access personal legal documents needed when looking for a job.
In addition to everyday necessities, the homeless population need resources for finding jobs, overcoming addiction and getting housing.
With housing prices skyrocketing, and inflation the highest it’s ever been at 8.3%, Public Health officials agree these displaced people are having more difficulty trying to stabilize themselves compared to years past.
There is a number of local outreach and broader government services being provided to these individuals and families. The Department of Housing and Urban Development is giving $46 million dollars to Oregon to put towards these local governments as well as local organizations.
There has been much debate between economists if people should be more invested in local organizations, or Nationally funded government programs that aid the homeless population.
Local Non-Profit Organizations
In Clackamas County alone, there are several locally run organizations that are dedicated to helping individuals and families who are homeless. Clackamas Women’s shelter, Father’s Heart, Clackamas County Veterans village, and Love One are a few notable organizations in the area.
These organizations rely heavily on donations and grants to fund their services. Volunteers are often unpaid members of the community.
LoveOne, a local non profit works to alleviate the day to day needs of homeless people, as well as finding housing and jobs for these individuals and families.
Love One’s mission’s statement-
“We are a love driven non-profit community-based organization committed to serving our Clackamas County, Oregon neighbors in need on a regular basis providing clean laundry, showers, meals, personal care resources, and community connections.”
Brandy Johnson, executive director at Love One said that referring to the homeless as neighbors in need is very intentional. “As much as we want to meet those (basic) needs, it's also about building a support system,” said Johnson.
Ending the stigma and shame associated with homelessness and poverty can help as well; try to gain more knowledge and understanding, said Johnson.
LoveOne reaches out to individuals and builds relationships. When looking for a job, members are with that person every step of the way. LoveOne refers people to facilities to help with drug and alcohol addiction.
"The Homeless population in Oregon has risen 17% in the past year alone."
Government Funded Programs
The US Federal government spent $51 billion towards homeless and housing aid in 2021.
Oregon Housing and Community Services is a government agency that regulates the State of Oregon’s affordable housing act, and oversees the day to day operations of several other laws regarding this ever increasing issue.
Several laws have been passed last year in Oregon in order to aid the homeless population, and low income families. These bills have been in the works for months, and passed last June.
The majority of these bills work to prevent homelessness. Out of these prevention bills, many are focused on sending money to overnight shelters.
Other laws were enacted to help low income families. The “Prevent Eviction” bill offers rent subsidiaries, and a late rent grace period granted to those with low income.
There is also a new bill specifically for teen prevention, which (the homeless population) has risen by 20% in the past 5 years.
The recently instituted “Right to Rest Act” is stated to “protect a person from being criminalized for resting, sleeping in a public space.”
Jimmy Jones, executive director of the Mid-Willamette Valley Communication Action Agency, said the bill’s purpose is to give the homeless a little dignity. “It will give us a chance to show that we believe that the Constitution applies to all of us,” Jones said.
The Bottom Line
Homelessness is a serious problem that affects everyone in the community. Government officials, humanitarians, and members of the community are all striving to find solutions, and improve the life of the homeless; to help them rise above their circumstances.
These organizations try to find permanent solutions, and offer safety and help to those in need.
Citizens can do their part to help by volunteering at a local soup kitchen, giving donations and voting in local and national ballots.
Pictures provided by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
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