“Once you on the streets, you stay there”
The homeless population is rising in Oregon
The Oregon homeless population sits at an all-time high as of 2022. It isn’t hard to see the growing number of homeless individuals over the past 3 years. Increasing weather crises and global pandemics have helped to shed light on the homeless issue. Many factors contribute to the issue, including inflation, unemployment, lack of resources, drug addictions, and troubled upbringings.
I’ve noticed that there are two kinds of reactions when speaking about homelessness. The most common is the sympathetic people who ask themselves, “What would I do if I was homeless, could I ever even be homeless?” Then there are the people who firmly believe that “If they wanted to, they could just get a job.” Both are completely valid reactions; however, it’s much more complex than just “getting a job.”
Inflation is the highest it’s ever been, and the imbalance of supply and demand is always going up and down. Every penny earned is put into another fee due. I am fearful of being an adult. I grew up in a good home, I have knowledge of ways to make a living. Unfortunately, a large number of homeless individuals grew up on the streets with no knowledge of how to survive in this economy.
“My mama could barely pay the bills. When she was gone it was just me, a 15-year-old ain’t know how to pay a mortgage.”- homeless individual in Portland. Navigating the economic crisis will not be fulfilled by simply “getting a job.” Employment is a tricky territory to enter, especially with little to no resources to acquire employment. “Help Wanted” signs are seen scattered across windows. There is work available, but oftentimes that work is hard labor for little pay. Trying to survive in this environment of high pricing is what lands most people on the streets. A common phrase seen in many homeless individuals is “once you are on the streets, you stay there.” Living on the streets is a culture of itself. People adapt to the environment around them, so once someone lands on the streets they will likely pick up the lifestyle quickly.
Drugs are the language of the streets. Stepping into Portland, there is a visible representation of drugs ruining the lives of human beings. When there is nowhere else to go, nothing else to do, drugs seem to be the source of entertainment. According to the LA Times, the second leading cause of death was due to drug overdoses (fentanyl in particular), and many of these deaths came from those without a home.
The homeless population will only continue to increase unless there is an action taken to fix the situation. Many people are suffering because of the economic issues we are currently facing. Those without a home are not there because they want to be here, they’re there because they simply have nowhere else to go, and nothing else to do.
I am a Junior and this is my first year on the Banner. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, hanging out with family, and exercising.
Kandi • Oct 8, 2022 at 5:26 pm
I’m close to becoming homeless, I’m on disability and don’t get enough to pay rent. The landlords now get a new cap for rent, instead of 7% + 3% . This month the state passed a new cap of 14.6%, which will put me on the street by August next year. I can work a certain amount and earn a certain amount but even that will not be enough to cover all living expenses. Waiting for the other shoe to fall is scary and stressful. Makes me physically ill sometimes wondering about my future ‼️
Damon • Oct 8, 2022 at 7:59 am
To be completely honest if I may. I used to be homeless and running around doing things I most definitely shouldn’t have… BUT you can beat homelessness. I was addicted to meth for 8 years and ended up adopting the pity party attitude whoa its me blah blah blah. I knew I deserved better. I wanted better so. I knew it would just take time to get away from the area to clear my head. Regardless you can beat the homeless “Epidemic” or what have you. It is all based on the individual in question and how bad they truly want it… thank you for your time
Hung • Oct 8, 2022 at 3:43 am
I came to the US as a refugee when I was 31 with empty hands. I have been working hard to do the living. I studied English as a full time student, besides that I worked study and delivery after school. I used to have 4 to 5 hours to sleep for 3 years. It was rough life but I was paid off with living in my own house, and got a fair job to make a living and raising my kids. It is all about your goal and effort. I am having almost 20 more years to retire and hoping I deserve to enjoy my retirement. It is all about yourself!
Victoria • Oct 7, 2022 at 7:41 pm
I sort of agree with that but the drug problems everywhere no matter where you go with you’re on the streets or not and not all Street people are mean and criminal and slobs not all of them I wasn’t