My family, like numerous others in our community, has experienced the pain and hardship of homelessness. Current scenarios reveal an alarming increase in the population of people on the streets of our beloved Portland, Oregon. Regrettably, our government resources are not being managed optimally to address this pressing issue. Goal of this petition is to invigorate more effective resource allocation and strategic approaches to combat homelessness.

According to the Point-in-Time Count in 2019, there was a notable 22% increase in homelessness in Multnomah County since 2017 (2019 Point-in-Time Count). This trend only continues to rise. We urge our elected officials to reprioritize funds and strategies to address this issue effectively. Let's create spaces and opportunities where the marginalized populations can regain a sense of dignity, security, and hope.

Every resident of Portland has a theoretical right to live with dignity, respect, and a roof overhead. We must make these rights a reality for all. By acknowledging the plight of the homeless, we can kickstart a re-evaluation of our resources and strategies towards homelessness. We can and must do better. Sign this petition to call on Portland's governing bodies to rethink and restructure their approach to managing and reducing homelessness. It's no longer a point of abstraction — this problem is in our own backyard. Let's take action. Sign this petition.