BEAVERTON, Ore. — As Portland fights to keep up with the growing crisis on its streets, some homeless people are turning to surrounding cities like Beaverton for resources.
“Portland and Multnomah County didn’t have no shelters for me and my girlfriend,” Ronald said, who now stays at a Beaverton homeless shelter on Southwest Hall Boulevard and 5th Street.
His friend, James, shared a similar story.
“There’s no resources. I tried to get into treatment when I came up here, and I’m still waiting,” said James, who is addicted to methamphetamine and also stays at the Beaverton shelter.
“There’s spread from Portland. If Portland doesn’t have the services, these people are going to come into all of the other bedroom communities,” explained Sarah Toner, who has lived in Beaverton for three years.
Her child goes to Saint Cecilia Elementary School, which is right across the street from the shelter where Ronald and James stay.
Earlier this week, a man accidentally caught himself on fire in City Park across from the shelter and public library. He was life-flighted to a hospital, where he later died.
“You have a shelter that is drawing people that are in crisis and it is adjacent to a school, and I cannot fathom a situation in which you would willingly bring people that are having such a hard time next to such a vulnerable population,” said Toner.
Toner said she and other concerned residents are looking for support from the city.
"I have a feeling the city is looking at us as this uptight, clenched population that doesn't want this around our kids," Toner said. "And it's not that we don't want this around our kids, we just want the support necessary for these individuals."
Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty issued the following statement Thursday night:
This week in Beaverton City Park, an individual tragically lost their life due to injuries from an accidental fire. I offer my condolences to the victim, their family, and those who witnessed this sorrowful event. I’m immensely grateful to our first responders for their prompt and decisive actions, and to the community members who rushed to assist. I want to reassure our community about the proactive steps we are taking to enhance public safety and offer compassionate, effective responses to crises.
Facing the complex challenges before us, including the escalating concerns around homelessness, we are dedicated to a balanced strategy that supports those in need while ensuring the safety and integrity of our community. Our approach includes both immediate and strategic long-term solutions. In the short term, we are prioritizing the safety of all residents and providing mental health support to those who responded to this tragedy. We are also expanding the police bike team to enhance our on-the-ground response capabilities. Construction is underway on our new year-round shelter set to open later this year, offering residents access to trauma-informed care. Additionally, Washington County is in the process of establishing an addiction resource center to aid those requiring urgent support.
As we continue to protect and nurture our community, I call for understanding and compassion from all of Beaverton during these challenging times. Our journey forward requires collective empathy and support, ensuring that Beaverton remains a safe, caring, and vibrant place for everyone.