Residents raise safety concerns near proposed Pearl District homeless shelter site

The City of Portland is proposing a new homeless shelter in the Pearl District, which will start with a limited number of beds and eventually accommodate 200 people. Local residents have raised concerns about safety, drug use, and loitering, highlighting the neighborhood's previous efforts to manage these issues. Advocates, including Liz Starke from Rose Haven, stress the importance of providing immediate shelter for those in need while also pushing for long-term housing solutions. Mayor Keith Wilson has committed to ensuring that every individual has a safe place to sleep by December 1, 2025, in response to the city's homelessness crisis. Community engagement initiatives aim to address residents' concerns and foster collaboration.

The Pearl District Neighborhood Association members express a willingness to work with the city if appropriate services and security are put in place. The city is engaging with local associations and community members to listen to their concerns and share information about the shelter. This proposal reflects the broader struggle Portland faces in balancing immediate needs with long-term solutions to homelessness.