'It seems like an unfair burden' Homeless shelter waste is being dumped into a North Portland neighborhood sewer

The North Portland community is expressing strong concerns over the city's decision to routinely dump sewage from a nearby homeless shelter into their sewer system, which residents describe as an unfair burden. Long-term resident Sara Himmelman voiced disbelief at the situation, highlighting existing issues such as street racing and homeless encampments. The city argues that the shelter's septic system requires regular clearing, and the chosen discharge method was deemed the most environmentally sound and economical. Eliot Thompson, a worker with a non-profit aiding the homeless, emphasized the importance of generosity while acknowledging residents' frustrations. In light of public outcry, the city has identified a new discharge site to alleviate some community concerns.

A spokesperson from Portland's Bureau of Environmental Services confirmed the authorization for this alternative site, which is expected to be utilized moving forward. Currently, nearly 90 people have found shelter in the city-run facility, which opened in October. This ongoing dialogue between the city and residents highlights the complexities of addressing homelessness while maintaining community standards.