The Below Provided via the NEMCCA Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/Northeast-Multnomah-County-Community-Association-1464772610280344The notes from this meeting are longer than usual, but the information provided by the HOPE team is well worth the read!Safety Meeting 3-3-21
Informational presentation by the MCSO H.O.P.E. team, including questions and answers:The Homeless Outreach Program Engagement team has been active for the past five years in Multnomah County. There are two deputies who are assigned to the HOPE team, coordination is done by Sgt. Asboe who also oversees other Community programs. Current team members are Deputy Epperson and Deputy Hidalgo.
The Team is there to do outreach, to help direct those in need to services and resources, mitigate conflict between the unhoused and housed communities and also between those who are unhoused. Last year the HOPE team had over 1,400 contacts with those in the unhoused community, made over 275 referrals to Social Services, handed out 275 masks to those affected by the fires and distributed approximately 1, 951 supply items such as blankets, sleeping bags, socks, gloves, food, water and sanitizer.
In 2018 there was a legal ruling "Martin Vs. Boise". To summarize, this ruling declared you can not penalize someone just because they are houseless. If someone is sleeping outdoors you may not arrest them if there are no beds available in a shelter. (There are currently around 5,000 people who do not have housing in Multnomah County, the number of beds available will be researched and gotten back to us.) The number of beds available during Covid had been reduced as the shelters have to meet the six foot distancing requirements. The number of unhoused is expected to rise due to the Covid impacts.
(
https://www.cityofboise.org/news/mayor/2021/february/settlement-reached-in-groundbreaking-martin-v-boise-case/?fbclid=IwAR1tvEiKIcpzFZ_mbigyEfMfISRLtJ6r8Ck0QSSo8kQtdZwWrWtmzkTk_lQ)
UPDATE: "I did confirm the total number of beds in Multnomah County is 1379; although that number is a bit deceiving because it includes family shelter beds, domestic violence beds and beds for individuals with specific needs. "
The current way of sheltering is not working. The open room, exposed bed approach does not leave people feeling comfortable and provide them with a safe way to store their belongings. While we may see some of those sleeping outdoors as not being important, for them every item has the potential of making their lives easier. A lone tire for a bike may seem not worth carrying, but for the person who has it, it can be one part to a wagon or push cart to help move their belongs. It would also help if we all remember there are people who have houses who don't keep them as neat as we would like, and who keep items we would consider junk. Please don't put different requirements on those who are unhoused or those who are housed.
Abandoned vehicles is an issue throughout Multnomah County. The tow companies are aware it will cost them to tow the vehicles and they are now requiring payment upfront before moving. It is estimated to cost $56 per foot to dismantle and dispose of an RV, which means the cost runs between $3,000 to $5,000 each. There is a Small fund available in Multnomah County to address this issue, but the amount is very small compared to the need. The vehicles that have people living in them can not be towed. Currently Portland is not moving the RV's out of the city area due to Covid so we are not seeing as many vehicles in East County as we may once the restrictions are lifted.
East Multnomah County does not have resources out here for those who need them, and the HOPE team would like to make that change. It is a goal for them to be able to bring out social services, housing contacts, legal teams, etc instead of asking people, who may not have any form of transportation, to go in to town to receive assistance. This is a long term goal, but those working on the team are persistent and if they can get enough support from those in the East Multnomah County area they would like to see a shift in some funding to make it happen.
Unlike many believe, 95% of those living in our area are from our area. They may have grown up here, gone to school here, had jobs here, Still have jobs here, and have family here, so they feel safe here. It is a familiar place, they have ties, and we all tend to go back to where we felt safe. It can be scary to move, to go to a new location, and for any of us who have made a move like that, we can relate.
We are aware that some of the unhoused have drug issues, but what it would help us to remember is that the loss of housing may have lead to the drug issues, not the other way around. If we are not able to find the cause for the loss of housing, and address it, then moving someone into a house that they will be out of in a week isn't helping anyone. People become unhoused often because of a loss of a job, a divorce, a health issue, an accident... we can all be one incident away from being in their position. But again, East Multnomah County is not providing the resources and services necessary to assist in recovery, in moving forward, that needs to change.
You can't treat an unhoused person staying in a park any differently than a housed person who is visiting for the day, however, just because someone is homeless doesn't mean they don't have to follow the laws. There also has to be a balance between those who need a place to sleep, and those who are permanent residents. One of the items used to determine if an enforcement needs to be done is the "Rules of Thumb" approach.
1.) Is there an extreme environmental concern
2.) Is there extreme criminal activity - is it substantial, does it impact the community both housed and unhoused.
3). Is there a safety concern for self or others
(Discussion regarding fires. Is the issue being Solved? or is it just being moved to another location and being a problem for another district? HOPE does not believe in moving a situation out of one area and into another and works for different solutions.)
The HOPE team does have requirements for those they work with, because the goal is to move people forward. Their motto is "Accessibility with Accountability", simply put, they are there to help, but you have to do your part too. If an appointment is made for you, you need to show up. If there is assistance offered, please take it. Everyone has to do their part.
The HOPE team is here to do outreach, to build relationships with those in need to assist them moving forward and also to build relationships with communities who can assist moving people forward. People on both sides of the housing issue would benefit by learning how to include all in the community. Treat everyone with respect, don't look down on those who are having problems and be the eyes and ears for the HOPE team and let them know when you see someone who may use assistance.
One story shared was the person we have referred to in the past as "the Blue Dodge". This couple had moved into Multnomah County after purchasing a convenience store which turned out to be a "squishy" deal and they lost all they had invested. The couple was working to get back to California, but someone slashed three of their tires, setting them back on their goal. The HOPE team was able to get assistance to get their tires replaced, and with donations and funding were able to get enough money to get them back to California. Prior to this move, the HOPE team reached to resources in the area they were going to so they were not set back on their going forward.
The HOPE team can be reached at
HOPE@MCSO.US. This is for non-emergency questions, concerns, issues. If there is an emergency please call 911.
ODOT: The next Historic Highway Advisory Committee meeting is Thursday, March 18th, online/Zoom.
- Applications closed for the Multnomah County representative, had 19 online applications (may have more by physical mail). Multnomah County is aiming to review and select the representative by mid-March (hopefully prior to the Advisory Committee meeting)
- Working on planning for summer operations for both the Columbia Gorge Express and the parking lot(s) at Multnomah Falls (though tricky with COVID unknowns) Will share information when it is available.
FOREST SERVICE: They are looking at a ticketing system for the upcoming Spring and Summer season.
Eagle Creek trail is closed. There was a gigantic landslide just before the trailhead and the trail is not accessible. They are talking with ODOT and there is an outside contractor being hired to clear the debris.
The Eagle Creek trail has portions missing and is being rerouted in those areas.
Right now the parking lot on the old highway is open, but the highway is closed. The parking lot may close again this Spring, partly depending on Covid restrictions at that time.
There has been funding made available for some upgrades at the Falls, including electrical upgrades, a generator, trash compactor and Visitor Center revamp.
OREGON PARKS AND REC: Four rangers will be starting on April 1st, the rest of the staff will start on June 7th.
Ainsworth State Parks Campground will be opening on March 12th. Currently working with ODOT on getting the road cleared from Exit 35 to Ainsworth for access from that end, while leaving the road beyond the campground closed.
Benson State Park is open, the restrooms will be open within the week.
Talbot will be open, Dabney and Lewis and Clark will also have bathrooms open - Latourell will not. The determination being if there is running water at the site or not, those that have vault toilets will not be opening under the current Covid restrictions.
CORBETT SCHOOL DISTRICT: Sports practice has started.
Next week all kids will be coming to school**** there will be two groups switching days to keep the numbers low enough in the classroom. We are the first school in the County to be opening, some think its too fast, some think its too slow, but they are ready. One of the issues turned out to be you can only have 11 kids on the bus at a time, one that usually holds 80. This is to meet the six feet distance in all directions rule. There has been permission given to reduce the distance down to three feet. The majority of parents drive their students to school in our district.
**** Here is the update per the school district March newsletter: FROM INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT DAN WOLD... Good news! Our reopening plans received the support of the School Board at their February 17th meeting, and those plans have been submitted to the Oregon Department of Education and to our Local Public Health Authority. That means, as long as the metrics continue to allow, we can begin Hybrid Instruction once the staff has had an opportunity at immunization, which is Wednesday, March 10. We will start with Grades K-2 at CAPS and Grades K-1 at the Grade School, then add grades as we are successful with the program. Of course, any families who choose to remain receiving their
education through Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) can do so. Hybrid Instruction is a blend of in-person, on-campus learning and virtual learning. A team of stakeholders designed how this could best be accomplished at each site. Building leaders will be sending out information about how this will look at each of their schools, and the complete plan is
posted on our website. "Fall" school sports have started! Sadly for our community, spectators will not be allowed at contests, but we are working on plans to live stream as much as we can. Go Cardinals!Jenny Meadows was selected as the Gresham Outlook's 2021 Readers' Choice for Best Teacher.
Tim Kilgore and Lori Luna will be retiring this year.
There have been some major issues with the Reynold's property regarding the storm water, septic and remodeling. This is causing a stress on the proposed budget and they are now looking at plan B, which would involve bringing in modular buildings. The issue is where to put them, as the soccer and football field won't work. (Questions regarding selling the property Back to Reynolds if they would take it.)
Thank you for the meeting from MCSO, very informative. (Discussion regarding homeless students, distance learning, information coming from HOPE team to schools, working with schools, school outreach.)
MCSO: Getting Citizen's Patrol online. There is no projected opening date for the patrol, waiting for lightening of Covid restrictions. There will be a change in the name, most likely going to VIPS or Volunteers in Police Service.
Will be attending the meeting with the Rusty Zippers on Thursday, looking forward to getting back out to community meetings. (Discussion regarding the dammed water in close proximity to the one that just broke through near Warrendale. Geologist, Forest Service, other agencies and professionals looking at the best way to address the issue.)
Thank you to all agencies who are attending the Safety meetings during Covid. We appreciate them and are looking forward to having the public attending again!
