Intense public interest in the work of the Impact Reduction Program has garnered a lot of media coverage over the years. Below is a collection of in-depth media stories and interviews that help explain how the Impact Reduction Program works, and shed light on the complexities of responding to unsheltered homelessness.
Impact Reduction Program staff sat down for an interview on OPB's Think Out Loud in November 2020. You can listen to the interview here: "Portland program aims to help homeless campers and reduce impacts on neighborhoods"
The Oregonian joined GLITTER teams on a trash collection route and visited the Ground Score Association warehouse in January 2025: "Picking up Portland’s litter isn’t glamorous, but for some it’s a path to dignity and healing"
The Wash House was featured on KGW in 2025, with personal stories shared by staff at the laundry facility funded by the Impact Reduction Program: "Wash House offers clean clothes to people experiencing homelessness in Portland"
On Point and ProPublica collaborated on a story covering the ways cities across the country are managing the impacts of homelessness, and the effects those practices have on people experiencing homelessness: "Inside America's homeless encampment sweeps"
City Cast Portland interviewed Nicole Santa Cruz, a ProPublica reporter who investigated property loss during homeless camp removals nationwide: "What Happens to Unhoused People’s Possessions After a Sweep?"
A case study of the Impact Reduction Program's use of GIS technology to improve efficiency and public transparency was published by ESRI, the company powering the program's workflow and data dashboard: "Portland's Mission to Reduce the Impacts of Urban Campsites the Right Way"
City staff were interviewed by Data-Smart City Solutions in December 2023: "Using Data and Dashboards to Mitigate Homelessness, Increase Public Trust"
If you are a member of the media or a researcher needing information, email reportpdx@portlandoregon.gov to be put in touch with an Impact Reduction Program communications staff member.