Homelessness continues to be growing issue in east Multnomah County. In one small corner of Troutdale alone, more than a dozen transient camps had been dug into the trees and blackberry bushes in the area behind the plaza at Cherry Park Rd. and 238th Dr.
Some of those camps had grown rather large and contained massive accumulations of trash and solid waste. Conditions had gotten to the point where it was unsafe for our City residents as well as the individuals living in the camp. In addition, there have been recent reports of thefts from businesses and residences in the area. Authorities found substantial amounts of stolen wire, generators, and construction equipment on the site, plus items such as dismantled bicycles, BBQs and propane tanks.
In response, the City of Troutdale, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Hope Team, Reynolds School District, and other local partners developed a unified plan to to clean up the area and provide services and find shelter for individuals in the camps.
The Hope Team offered services to individuals in the camps and an outreach worker helped to get some into shelters. Those who didn’t want to take advantage of these services were given adequate time to relocate.
After campers vacated the site, our local partners hired Rapid Response Bio Clean to clean up the surrounding area. Reynolds School District then contracted with JW Underground to finish the cleanup by clearing away the brush and undergrowth.
By working together, we can address public safety, offer help to individuals experiencing homelessness, and tackle the issue in a compassionate way.
If you would like to report illegal camping, please fill out this form on our website. If you are experiencing homelessness, help is available by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211info.org.
