By Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation,
The first of a proposed six city-sanctioned homeless camp is expected to open at Southeast Gideon Street and 13th Place in Southeast Portland by August, providing large-scale temporary camping sites. The encampment is expected to provide safe sleeping shelter for about 200 people in 70 shelter pods—or tiny homes—and tent-camping spots for up to six months. The city hired Urban Alchemy, a California group, to run the $4.6 million camp, provide laundry, electricity, and foot, and connect homeless people with case workers and other services. Mayor Ted Wheeler said the city has funding for three of the proposed sites, which are different from the smaller Safe Rest Villages outdoor shelters in neighborhoods throughout the city.
