An exceptionally candid column from the homeless-industrial complex ran recently (“Opinion: A judicial pause opens a window for true collaboration on homelessness,” Nov. 26). The co-directors of a coalition of 240-plus organizations, many of whom receive money for homeless services, praised the injunction halting Portland’s daytime camping ban.
Their argument overflows with jargon about strategizing, planning “a ‘yes’ approach,” ensuring “a strategic flow of resources to those who directly support those without housing” and noting that “providers need more money to pay for additional staff.”
I’m no right-wing hater: I’m happy the Safe Rest Village near my home is being expanded.
But continuing to dump money on the same organizations “supporting” people on the street and expecting a different outcome is insanity. Dozens of organizations trying to fix the same problem is ludicrous. That a coordinating organization exists, paying itself $299,000 in salaries and benefits according to IRS filings is telling.
Better choices exist. Eliminate all street camping. Fix Measure 110. Elect a district attorney willing to enforce the law. Create massive camping/RV/Safe Rest sites. Get all people with mental/addiction issues into treatment. Other cities are doing it. So can we.
Our governments – which cannot coordinate themselves out of a wet paper bag – must also stop squabbling, select a single entity to fix this and give it absolute financial control and authority. Maybe the group running the exceedingly successful Bybee Lakes Hope Center that our governments refused to fund until recently?
Homelessness is not insoluble, it’s just that the homeless-industrial complex and governments make it seem so.
Pat Zimmerman, Portland
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