We feel safe in our neighborhood
I understand where the members of Bull Mountain Connect (“BMC”) come from. We see the unhoused on the street, and we hear and read stories about crime, drug use, and violence. We avert our eyes and do anything to avoid facing the humans outside our cocoons. That could never be us, right?
BMC focuses on the metrics that will now be available since the City of Tigard has agreed to host the Safe Parking Program while emphasizing the importance of transparency in their reporting. Although this is certainly important, of equal importance is transparency as to the kinds of numbers BMC expects to see before the program is implemented in additional locations close to or in Bull Mountain.
Our City’s program is modeled on the one run by the City of Beaverton, which “has been active for five years across five host sites with no significant issues and an over 65% success rate of transitioning participants into stable housing. Requirements include passing a background check, not using alcohol or drugs, and keeping the surrounding area clean. There is a 30-day probationary period during which they must meet with a Case Manager. They can only stay for 120 days, after which they may request an extension if they are making progress. Their vehicles must be in working order with current registration.[1] Ostensibly, this also means that they have valid driver’s licenses. Violations that can lead to the revocation of one’s license include criminal convictions, reckless driving, and driving under the influence[2], all of which would bar them from the program.
Beaverton’s Year 4 Report shows that the majority of participants are white, female, and 22 participants were between the ages of 49-65+. It cites as common challenges “not being able to afford rent and making ends meet,” especially for individuals receiving SSI or SSDI[3]”. No significant issues were noted.
BMC is concerned that “58-88% of homeless individuals experience drug addiction”. However, their cited report also says, “While drug use can lead to homelessness, people experiencing homelessness may use drugs to cope with the safety risks associated with being unsheltered, for example, to stay awake or to sleep in order to cope with the trauma of being homeless”[4]. But remember that drug and alcohol use are prohibitive factors for participating in the Safe Parking Program. It’s worth noting that drug use among the affluent is easy to hide.
We bought our home here because we fell in love with Bull Mountain, but it’s not perfect. There have been multiple attempts to break into cars on our street. There is litter along Bull Mountain Road. Don’t get me started on neighbors whose dogs leave presents all over the place. But overall, we feel safe in our neighborhood. So, we understand why others going through hard times might want to feel safe here, too.
[1] Safe Parking Program | City of Tigard (tinyurl.com/mv64u54p)
[3] Year 4 Report tinyurl.com/4fauecvp
[4] Homeless Strategies and Solutions Initiative, 12/13/2022 (tinyurl.com/5x5d2w76)