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Making Progress on Ending Homelessness; Just Too Slowly |
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Written by Jeff
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Wednesday, 07 May 2008 |
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For the past 13 days, a growing group of homeless people have been protesting outside of City Hall. Their message, in short: do something to get us off the street. To be sure, the City of Portland has been demonstrating significant leadership in helping chronically homeless people off the street and into permanent housing. The point of the protesters in front of City Hall is simply that progress isn't being made fast enough. Frankly, I'm not sure anyone can argue with that.
The protest started after some homeless people were "swept" from various places around the downtown area. They contend that police forcibly took their belongings and are not providing them with any options for safe places to sleep. The number of available shelter spaces, which are never plentiful, are going down with the onset of warmer weather. That, along with Portland's current prohibitions against sitting and lying on the street and against homeless people setting up camping sites, it is difficult for a homeless person to find a place to sleep at night.
I've spent some time over the last several days with the protesters. I've talked with many of them about their personal experiences - about how they came to be homeless, about life on the streets, about thinking of a better life. Most of the people I talked to are actually from Portland, having grown up here and now finding themselves homeless on the streets of their home town.
And I've talked to them about what they want out of the protest. The protesters are pushing a hard line of questions. "No more band-aids" is a common refrain. What do they want? housing. When do they want it? Now. And it's not just a chant at a march; to them, it's about meeting a basic need.
The main editorial in Tuesday, May 6th's Oregonian calls for an end to the "slumber party" in front of City Hall. The editors contend it's time to say "party's over" to the protesters. They pad their position by saying this message should be accompanied by "ample notice and social services offered to those who need and will accept them." Trouble is, they offer no long-term solutions to the protesters who, far from having a "slumber party," are simply organizing themselves to get help from city officials. The Oregonian's editors are the only ones who think there's a party going on in front of City Hall. In fact, City Hall is currently the scene of a high-stakes policy debate with homeless people as active participants. As they should be.
I'm running for the Portland City Council to be involved in just these kinds of debates and to develop solutions to the many challenges facing the city. Here is where I would start the conversation with the protesters to begin to address some of their concerns:
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Call and Canvass for Jeff! |
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Written by Melanie
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Saturday, 03 May 2008 |
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Join Jeff and other volunteers as we hit the doors and jump on the phones to remind people to vote for Jeff. Canvass for Jeff
Sunday, May 18 1:30 - 5:00
Phone Banks
Every Monday through Thursday until Election Day: 6:00 - 8:30
Every Sunday: 5:00 - 8:00
Meet at Campaign Headquarters 3939 NE MLK Jr Blvd. Call and let us know you are coming 503-281-4065. |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 10 May 2008 )
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Written by Administrator
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Wednesday, 23 April 2008 |
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On October 8, 2007, I announced the start of my campaign for Portland City Council. I made my announcement with hope and humility.
As Portlanders, we have a proud history of innovation, creativity and vision that has made our city a great place to live and work. But we have much to do to prepare ourselves for the coming challenges of managing growth, increasing economic and environmental vitality and ensuring that all Portlanders share in the financial and social benefits of our city. I am running because I want Portland, the City That Works, to be the City That Works Better for All of Us.
Better Employment
Portlanders need economic security for themselves and their families. Small businesses are the economic foundation of our city and we need to ensure that Portlanders have the resources to start, grow and sustain locally-owned businesses that provide a solid underpinning for our community. I will work with small business owners throughout the city to create those needed resources.
Better Education
Portlanders need opportunities to ensure they have the education and technical training to work and live in a diverse and rapidly changing society. Investing in post-high school education and life-long training is the key to maintaining local businesses and creating family-wage jobs in our city. I will fight for the resources to make those investments.
Better Environment
Portland has the potential to become a national leader in creating a “clean” economy with “green collar” jobs. For instance, making investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies as well as in reducing the city’s carbon footprint must be continued and pursued even more aggressively. I will work with Portland residents, organizations and businesses to demonstrate that environmental responsibility and economic vitality are not trade-offs but can and must go hand in hand.
Better Accountability
Portlanders expect a lot from their city. It is essential that they understand how and why decisions are made and trust that public resources are being used to achieve the greatest good. I will make sure that Portland works for Portlanders by having field offices throughout the city and appointing a bureau staff member as a citizen representative in each of the bureaus I will oversee to ensure that Portlanders get the good service they expect from their city.
I am enjoying the opportunity to talk with Portlanders in every quadrant and every neighborhood about the issues affecting their lives. I look forward with the hope that Portlanders, working together, will be able to solve any problem put before us.
I offered my candidacy with humility, recognizing that when I ask for your vote I also ask for your trust.
Together we can make Portland, the City That Works, be the City That Works Better for all of us.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 23 April 2008 )
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