Portland camping ban begins; results may take time

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The limited ban on camping on public property is now in effect in Portland. But it’s going to take a while before residents notice a difference.

The City of Portland posts notices before removing a campsite, giving the campers several days to clear out. A team from the Street Services Coordination Center goes to the camps to begin the process of offering shelter beds — and letting campers know that have to pack and leave if they’re offered a bed and refuse it.

Police officials told KOIN 6 News they can be called to step in, but it’s not their job or intention to do mass clearing of tents and camps. Law enforcement is a last resort if outreach doesn’t work.

And that’s when police could fine a camper $100 or send them to jail for a week.

No one with the City of Portland, Multnomah County or the Portland Police Bureau agreed to an interview with KOIN 6 News about this issue on this day.

The initial focus of the camping ban is to clear out camps along high-traffic streets, near schools, in a public right-of-way like a sidewalk or road, blocking businesses or homes.

Residents can report an unsanctioned homeless camp by calling 311.

Read: Portland Camping Ordinance

Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson last week announced a freeze on buying any more tents or tarps to hand out to the homeless. The City of Portland has spent millions to get rid of them.

County officials on Monday told KOIN 6 News the Joint Office of Homeless Services has 747 tents remaining in stock, plus 11,080 tarps.

KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story.

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