Introduction about the history of Springwater Corridor Homeless Encampments

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Introduction about the history of Springwater Corridor Homeless Encampments
It was not until 1967 when the issue of homelessness hit the Portland headlines due to the underlying problem of poverty, Portland. Portland would then let its politics of homelessness be controlled by grass-roots charity organizations and the very liberal city government (Edelen 14). According to, Springwater Corridor, an article posted on Oregonencyclopedia.Org, the history of the homeless programme in Portland and its perception by the public presents pictures of a developing city whose fight against poverty is dominated by communal compassion for a suffering population however ineffective or controversial the procedures may seem outwardly (“Springwater Corridor”). Most of the homeless are individuals from Skid Road part of Portland displaced from their homes by economic hardships (Edelen 24). Others are persons struggling with social ailments and alcoholism. The largest population of the homeless are settled in the Springwater Corridor and the Oregon section of Portland.
The homeless individuals began to settle in this area in 1967 following the City’s understanding of homelessness entrenched in sickness and absence of excellent care that forced the City to permit the poverty-stricken homeless individuals within the city (Edelen 34). The article by Oregonencyclopedia.Org also mentioned that Portland’s commission entrusted with handling the homelessness sought to issue aid to people suffering alcoholism, parents with families to cater for who lost their jobs, and other males who are unable to afford stable accommodation due to reasons beyond their ability (“Springwater Corridor”).

Most homeless individuals preferred the region of Springwater due to the prevalence of local charity organizations that seek to provide aid to the homeless regarding food, shelter, and jobs. The area was also chosen for settlement by the homeless because of the community’s attitude of compassion towards the homeless. Additionally, Spring Water’s local policymakers have been known to utilize a compassionate approach when handling the homeless. Due to the City’s attitude towards squatters, myths state that the City perceives the settlers to be a discrete population, primarily different from the upper and middle-class communities (Edelen 35).
Works Cited
Edelen, Katrina. “The Emergence of Portland’s’ Unique’Homelessness: Does the City’s Pattern of Compassion Suggest a New Perspective on Poverty?.” (2017).
“Springwater Corridor”. Oregonencyclopedia.Org, 2018, https://oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/springwater_corridor/. Accessed 21 Nov 2018.