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1. Why doesn't Oregon City do something about all the homeless people in Oregon City?

Homelessness is a very complex problem and Oregon City is one of many cities in the country struggling to find successful ways of addressing the problem. Many of the homeless people on the streets struggle with issues related to addiction, mental illness, and histories of trauma. Oregon City has dedicated staff that works every day to solve problems for the homeless and for the people and business owners with concerns in the community. The Oregon City Police Department has an outreach officer who is dedicated to the homeless problem. The police department also has a Behavioral Health Specialist embedded within the department to ensure people in crisis and/or suffering from behavioral health issues get the best care. In addition, the City expends resources through the general fund and grants for neighborhood cleanup and beautification. Click here to review the City's Homelessness Strategy.

2. What should I do if I observe a homeless camp?

The City appreciates public reporting. Please call Oregon City Code Enforcement at 503-905-3665 or Oregon City Police Department Non-Emergency at 503-655-8211.

By providing an accurate location and description of the camp you will assist the responding officers in locating and contacting the occupants of the camp. Once the camp is located and the occupants have been contacted, what is actually done about the camp is dependent on many factors. The responding officers will work closely with the many resources available to determine the best course of action to take regarding the removal of the camp.

3. A homeless person has set up a tent on my business or private property, what can I do?

You can take a proactive stance on keeping trespassers off your property by posting signs and maintaining your property perimeter. If an illegal encampment appears on your property, you have the right to ask the individuals to leave or contact the Oregon City Police non-emergency number for assistance 503-655-8211.

4. Why can't the City just move people off the streets?

It is not illegal to be homeless and the City cannot force someone to move due to constitutional protections and court rulings. However, OCPD does have the authority to issue citations or arrest people who are engaged in criminal behavior. For example, possession of an open container of alcohol or drinking in public, (OCMC 9.12.010), public urination or defecation, (OCMC 9.12.030), Trespass II, (ORS 164.245), and Disorderly Conduct, (ORS 166.025), are considered prohibited or illegal. If you observe these or other illegal behaviors, please call the Police non-emergency line at 503-655-8211 which is available 24/7. When you see criminal activity, please call 911.

5. Oregon City's homeless population seems to be growing. How many people are homeless in our community?

Clackamas County performs a Point in Time Count of people who are unsheltered every other year, as directed by Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Unsheltered is defined as sleeping outdoors, in camps, on the street, in vehicles, or in abandoned buildings or sheds. The most recent count was done in January 2019, which revealed an increase of 9% from 2017 for those experiencing homelessness. Oregon City had the highest number of homeless at 306 and Clackamas had the second highest number of homeless with 138; less than half of the number of those living in Oregon City. To learn more about the Point in Time Count visit the Clackamas County Homelessness page.

6. I have something I want to donate to the homeless. What is the best way to make donations or volunteer?

Father's Heart Ministry in Oregon City provides daily services and meals and accepts gently used and laundered clothing donations, sleeping bags, blankets, and certain food items. Visit the Immediate Needs list to learn about current needs, or the Volunteer page to learn about volunteer opportunities.

7. What can be done with abandoned shopping carts in my neighborhood?

In an effort to minimize losses in cart inventory due to stolen property and to prevent assessed fines through City ordinances, the Northwest Grocery Association has teamed with NW Cart Retrieval Service. They have taken a proactive approach and developed a solution to the growing problem of abandoned shopping carts. Visit the North West Carts website to report abandoned carts in your area.