At the Tuesday General meeting of the Overlook Neighborhood Association, the OKNA Board unanimously voted to join a coalition of neighborhoods, businesses, residents and others in a lawsuit seeking to end Mayor Charlie Hales’ homeless camping policy. We believe that Portland can and must do better for all of its homeless residents than direct them to set up camp on any sidewalk or city land.
We hope that this legal action will prompt the city to engage with neighborhoods, businesses, the homeless community and all stakeholders to develop real solutions to the city’s homelessness crisis. Allowing Mayor Hales to act unilaterally and without such input has proven to be a failure.
For more information, view the FAQ, Fact Sheet and Press Release sent out by the neighborhood association. You can also read the legal filing below.
OKNA will continue to work with the city and Hazelnut Grove residents toward developing a temporary permit for that camp.