PORTLAND, Ore. – For many living on Portland’s streets, Tuesday morning began with city outreach but ended in forced displacement.
On Northwest Fourth Avenue, between Flanders and Glisan, a row of tents lined the block, one of them belonging to Michelle, a 45-year-old woman who has been struggling with homelessness on and off.
Michelle’s Story
Michelle shared that she had only recently returned to street life. Her tent, beige and weather-worn, was set up alongside seven others. Inside, she lived with Penny, her small brown dog adopted two years ago after its previous owner died from an overdose.
“I haven’t been out on the streets like this for a minute,” Michelle said Tuesday morning as she packed her belongings, trying to prepare for what might come next.
Outreach and Official Visits
Earlier in the morning, city officials and volunteers had been on the streets, offering outreach and encouragement. Mayoral representatives spoke about the city’s commitment to addressing homelessness while urging people to connect with available services.
The morning began on a hopeful note, with outreach workers emphasizing compassion and resources rather than punishment. But for those camped along Northwest Fourth, optimism was short-lived.
Tent Sweep Follows Outreach
By late morning, city crews arrived for a tent sweep of the area. As part of Portland’s Impact Reduction Program, crews removed tents, tarps, and belongings that had been set up on the sidewalks.
Residents, including Michelle, were told to move along. Some packed quickly, balancing pets and belongings. Others resisted, frustrated by the repeated cycle of displacement.
For many, the sweeps represent an ongoing struggle: camps are cleared, only to reappear in new places days or weeks later.
A Cycle Without Clear Resolution
Neighbors and business owners in the area have long expressed concerns about safety, blocked sidewalks, and fire hazards caused by encampments. City leaders say sweeps are necessary for public safety and health, while also pointing to ongoing investments in shelter expansion and housing programs.
But those experiencing homelessness say the cycle of being moved from one location to another makes it harder to access consistent services, maintain stability, or feel safe.
Michelle summed up the dilemma many face: “I’m just trying to figure out where to go next. We’re people too. We just need a chance.”
Conclusion
What began as a morning of outreach and encouragement ended in the clearing of tents along a downtown street. For residents like Michelle, it was another reminder of the fragile existence of Portland’s unhoused community—caught between efforts to provide services and policies that continue to displace them.
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