Hello PNA Members,
The illegal camp with boisterous campers who dangerously reduced access to the popular Bryant Street Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge was removed yesterday. Thank you for those who called 311 and/or took other steps to help resolve this public health hazard.
Yes, we helped resolve a dangerous problem, but I was reminded by several residents that it’s likely the plight of the relocated campers remains unchanged, since a sweep usually just moves the campers to another nearby location. Shouldn’t the PNA also use its influence to help those in need and reduce houselessness? I believe unhoused folks need locations throughout the city where they can safely camp, park their RV or temporarily live in a mini house and have access to essential city and county services while many transition into permanent housing. These seem to be many of the goals of our civic leaders, but after years of efforts, implementing them has been painfully slow while the plight of the unhoused remains basically unchanged.
I have a glimmer of hope after I recently learned that other NAs have engaged trained professionals (including formerly unhoused individuals) who can provide basic training in how best to: approach folks, get to know their concerns and needs, de-escalate situations, know the best paths to take when escalation is necessary, etc. I’m not suggesting we are all trained to become social workers, but if we can help reduce the suffering of those in need, then our neighborhoods become a better place to live for all.
I’m considering creating a new Houseless or Unhoused Committee, but I would definitely need
help, as this is not a trivial endeavor, and I have much to learn. Please let me know if you’d like
to help.
Thank you for caring!
Don Robinson
Chair
Piedmont Neighborhood Association
don.robinson.pdx@gmail.com
he/him
Piedmont Neighborhood Association 