Portland Resumes Homeless Camp Clearances Post-Pause for Annual Homeless Count

PORTLAND, Ore. — A temporary seven-day halt to the city of Portland’s efforts to clear homeless camps last week to conduct a “point-in-time” count of the local homeless population has been lifted- the pause is no longer in effect.

Portland Homeless Sweeps To Continue

Portland implemented a seven-day pause last week to allow volunteers to do the annual count of the homeless population.

The count data gives the city an accurate picture of the number of people experiencing homelessness, and officials indicated that the pause was crucial to ensure the accuracy of the data collected.

Counties across the nation conduct census-style counts to better understand the demographics and needs of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

The data assists local governments and service providers in addressing homelessness more effectively.

The news of the end of the halt comes following the Oregon Metro Government’s recent decision to slash homeless services budgets by $51 million.

The homeless sweeps are part of Portland Mayor Keith Wilson’s overall plan to end unsheltered homelessness across the state. The plan also includes building and opening emergency night and day shelters, with a maximum stay of 90 days.