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The City of Portland’s Impact Reduction Program provides garbage removal, resource referrals and job opportunities – and removes campsites that pose the highest risk to health and safety.
Overview
In Multnomah County, there are over 8,000 people currently experiencing unsheltered homelessness, according to data from the Homeless Services Department. Our local homelessness crisis can only be solved through the development of sufficient housing, ideally combined with robust supportive services to make sure people stay housed long term. However, our current housing supply falls short of meeting our local housing needs, and even temporary shelter options are not in adequate supply. That means, right now, we have large numbers of people living unsheltered, often setting up temporary tent and vehicle camps in public spaces not designed for human habitation - spaces with no bathrooms, garbage service, etc.
The Impact Reduction Program is designed to be a stopgap measure that addresses the issues of hygiene, waste management, and public access that arise as a result of unsheltered homelessness. The program treats the symptoms of the problem of homelessness, but is not designed to be a root cause solution to homelessness.
At the Impact Reduction Program, we approach our work using empathy and innovation. We minimize the impacts of homelessness today while partner programs expand long-term access to safe, affordable housing. We address those impacts using the following strategies and practices:
Cleanup and Garbage Removal
Work teams help clean trash and debris at campsites – as much as 1,000,000 pounds per month.
Day Storage
The City funds the operation of a secure space for individuals experiencing homelessness to safely store their belongings throughout the day.
Partnerships and Job Opportunities
Organizations and companies who are second chance employers or direct homeless-to-work programs are contracted to conduct work on behalf of the Impact Reduction Program. The Impact Reduction Program values bringing people with lived experience to the work of engaging with people experiencing homelessness and providing sanitation services.
Campsite Assessments and Removals
When a community member reports a camp, a team is dispatched to first assess health and safety impacts. The highest-risk sites are scheduled for removal; personal property is safely stored.
Concerned About a Campsite?
File a report online or by calling 311 or 503-823-4000