Portland to Evict 100 Shelter Residents Unwilling to Participate

Portland is set to “exit” 80 to 90 residents from its alternative shelters in February. This decision follows new policies addressing engagement and stay limits for shelter residents. Mayor Keith Wilson informed city councilors about these plans in a recent memo.

Policy Details

Residents who have been at the shelter for 120 days or more and are deemed “unwilling to engage” will be asked to leave. Wilson emphasized that this decision comes after extensive attempts to facilitate engagement with those residents. He noted that the city cannot continually resource emergency units without active participation from residents.

All residents facing eviction will undergo a formal warning process that outlines the policy and consequences. These measures are in line with the city’s new 120-day stay limit policy, which took effect on September 1. This policy allows for private rooms, meals, and continuous access to shelter services. Exemptions apply for individuals with severe mental health challenges.

Councilor Reactions

City Councilor Candace Avalos expressed her support for utilizing shelters as a “pathway” to housing. However, she voiced concerns over enforcing stay limits amid the city’s affordable housing shortage. “If we enforce stay limits without adequate housing options, we risk cycling people back onto the street,” Avalos warned.

She argued that policies should genuinely aim to reduce homelessness rather than merely manage shelter capacity. Avalos highlighted the need for increased investment in housing placement and rent stabilization alongside expectations for resident engagement.

Considerations for Providers

While stay limits are not uncommon in shelter settings, providers urge for flexibility in policy enforcement. During public meetings, they raised concerns about the challenges faced by individuals with traumatic backgrounds. These residents often require more time to stabilize and prepare for housing transitions.

In response to these discussions, the memo indicates that shelter providers have the discretion to waive or extend stays when necessary. Those experiencing severe mental health issues are also exempt from the stay limits.

Support for Exiting Residents

Lance Orton, executive director of CityTeam, acknowledged the temporary nature of sleeping pod shelters. He stated that while extended stays may be warranted in some cases, it is crucial to reinforce the expectation of engagement. “Compassion and accountability are not opposites; they are partners,” Orton remarked.

Residents losing their shelter bed will be provided with options, including placements in the city’s new overnight-only shelters. After a 90-day period, displaced individuals may return to another alternative shelter.

Conclusion

Portland’s new policies on shelter engagement and stay limits reflect a combination of compassion and accountability. However, challenges remain regarding the availability of long-term housing solutions. Ongoing discussions between city officials, councilors, and shelter providers will be vital in ensuring that these policies effectively address homelessness in the city.