Multnomah County halts tent and tarp distribution to homeless
Multnomah County’s rule discontinues the distribution of tarps and tents to the homeless population.
KATU 2 news covers this story by speaking to Rose Haven’s Development Director, Liz Stark.
The new rule will allow direct distribution of tents only during severe weather and cold weather advisory events, according to County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson.
“The new rule, as revised, further limits the distribution of certain county-purchased gear, allowing direct distribution of tents only during severe cold weather events,” Vega Pederson, Chair of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, said.
Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards says that “I stated last year that we needed to make this policy shift. Taking urgent action, in coordination with the City of Portland, to stand up more shelter — and provide a path from shelter to housing — needs to be the focus of our work. It’s critical that we use our resources more effectively to help people move off the streets — not just survive outside, but find a path to stability and housing.”
screen capture of KATU2 News coverage of the new rule change (KATU 2 News).
However, it may not be as straightforward as the county believes. Liz Starke, says their clients will feel the impacts of this policy much more than others. “If you’re outside and you look vulnerable, you are vulnerable,” she said. “It’s not just the rain and the cold that the tents are protecting from. It also gives people privacy. Even the tiny protection of having a tent to cover up who that person actually is provides a certain amount of safety, and so what this lack of tents means for women and children is even more critical.”
“Right now, that fundraising landscape is even more difficult because we’re not only seeing cuts at all the government programs, but our investors. People that rely on investments that are our private donors are also hurting right now, so it’s just a really tight time for everybody,” she said.
Starke worries that the county’s weather emergency exceptions will not kick in until conditions are dire, leaving many to struggle in the elements.
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