Today the Portland City Council will be voting on a proposal to address the city’s growing homeless population.The proposal, sponsored by City Manager Danielle West, would create a temporary state of limited emergency, allowing 50 beds to be added to Portland’s Homeless Services Center.The Homeless Services Center currently has 208 beds, and the shelter has been at capacity since March.As of Monday morning, according to Portland’s Tracker Dashboard, there are 261 tents throughout the city.Homeless advocates worry the plan will lead to more encampment sweeps, as homeless encampments at Fore River Parkway and Deering Oaks Park were cleared during the past few months.If the proposal is passed at the meeting tonight at 5:00, the council will make the addition to the shelter and reevaluate at the end of November when a new emergency shelter opens.
Today the Portland City Council will be voting on a proposal to address the city’s growing homeless population.
The proposal, sponsored by City Manager Danielle West, would create a temporary state of limited emergency, allowing 50 beds to be added to Portland’s Homeless Services Center.
The Homeless Services Center currently has 208 beds, and the shelter has been at capacity since March.
As of Monday morning, according to Portland’s Tracker Dashboard, there are 261 tents throughout the city.
Homeless advocates worry the plan will lead to more encampment sweeps, as homeless encampments at Fore River Parkway and Deering Oaks Park were cleared during the past few months.
If the proposal is passed at the meeting tonight at 5:00, the council will make the addition to the shelter and reevaluate at the end of November when a new emergency shelter opens.
