State of Emergency: We need action today

I see the lack of action as a lack of compassion. There is a need for real change to help improve the quality of life for these individuals that have fallen on hard times.

J.O., Portland, OR

Allowing tents is not merciful; it’s apathetic.

L.B., Portland, OR

The choice is not simply criminal justice vs. public health. It’s neighborhood safety and improvement vs. neighborhood decay.

J.M., Portland, OR

There's a camp off of Barbur Blvd I drive by every day wondering how long before tragedy strikes (car hits someone, hill slides, fire outbreak).

K.H., Portland, OR

I have lived in Portland my entire life (50 years). I have worked downtown since I was 19 years old. Up until the past few years, I have always felt safe walking around, day or night.

J.S., Portland, OR

A caring, civilized society does not have people sleeping on the streets.

S.W., Portland, OR

The City of Portland needs to make this population a priority by administering proper shelter and mental health care.

N.C., Portland, OR

In the Fall, my husband asked me to stop running along the waterfront. He was terrified for my safety.

R.B., Portland, OR

I live in the Pearl and every day I encounter severely mentally ill homeless people who need support, medical supervision and housing as well as our compassion.

S.T., Portland, OR

There isn't a neighborhood near the city core not effected by camping and the number of sites is increasing.

Kim B., Portland, OR

I see the lack of action as a lack of compassion. There is a need for real change to help improve the quality of life for these individuals that have fallen on hard times.

Jake O., Portland, OR

I see our city changing and families deciding to move and business rethink their investments.

Dave P., Portland, OR

The City of Portland needs to make this population a priority by administering proper shelter and mental health care. Tenants and customers do not feel safe in our community, which contradicts the attitude and feeling that we as native Portlanders are waiting to express.

Noah C., Portland, OR

Portland can do better than this! Let's be a national leader in addressing this crying need.

Luke A., Portland, OR

I no longer feel safe walking home in the dark, which defeats the entire purpose of living within the city limits. In fact, it has become so bad I am choosing not to re-sign a lease in the area. Our city can do better.

Renee G., Portland, OR

These folks need help, and I don't think that means outdoor camps. I desperately hope that this crisis is finally getting the attention it needs to bring about a change. Portland is an amazing city, and as we're growing, we have to find ways to solve our big city issues that are coming along with that growth.

Traci H., Portland, OR

Recently had friends and family visit, and instead of talking about how lovely this city is, they only talked about how incredible it is that there are so many people sleeping on benches and on sidewalks, panhandling, etc. " It really says something about the health of the city."

Christi T., Port Orange, FL

I understand the homeless have problems and my heart goes out to them, however, our children should not have to suffer for it and should be able to go to a city park without being frightened by the numerous homeless people who live there or sleep there.

Marilyn A., Portland, OR

Our customers are from all over the metro area and many are afraid to come downtown. Visitors from out of town are often shocked by the evident homeless population and our beautiful vibrant city is suffering. It's time to do more about the problem.

Teri H., Portland, OR

A caring, civilized society does not have people sleeping on the streets.

Sharon W., Portland, OR

“It’s not okay for so many people to be stuck outside for the night.”

The Oregonian, Nov. 17, 2015

“Instead of requiring people to be sober, the program provided free housing, therapy and health care. After five years, 88 percent of the formerly homeless people were still in their homes.”

Lloyd Pendleton