On March 17, 2017, from 8:00am to 3:00pm, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) Homeless Outreach and Programs Engagement (HOPE) Team will be conducting a coordinated public safety clean-up of the "Thousand Acres" location at the Sandy River Delta National Scenic area. Deputies will be assisted by the MCSO Corrections Work Crews and members of the United States Forest Service.
Over the past few months, MCSO has received numerous complaints concerning the increase of unlawful campsites in this highly visited recreational area. During this same period, this area has experienced inclement weather at which deputies have made visits to camps and provided citizens with blankets, food and other essential items. The HOPE Team mission begins with a compassionate, "outreach first" approach before any enforcement of the unlawful camping ordinance.
On March 10, 2017, HOPE Team members posted notices at campsites and will be returning on March 17 to implement both outreach and, if needed, enforcement of the unlawful camping ordinance. Deputies have contacted campers and provided "helping hands" bags from local churches. Additionally, HOPE Team members provided "Street Roots" and other resource information in an effort to connect homeless citizens with assistance such as options for alternative shelter.
HOPE Team members have recently identified approximately 25 separate, individual campsites and have contacted approximately 40 citizens in this area.
Sheriff Reese has submitted a new program offer in the FY2018 budget to establish a fulltime Homeless Outreach and Programs Engagement (Safety Net) team consisting of two deputies. The HOPE Team will partner with local service providers to help our homeless citizens find a path out of homelessness. Please contact MCSO for more information about this concept program.
Over the past few months, MCSO has received numerous complaints concerning the increase of unlawful campsites in this highly visited recreational area. During this same period, this area has experienced inclement weather at which deputies have made visits to camps and provided citizens with blankets, food and other essential items. The HOPE Team mission begins with a compassionate, "outreach first" approach before any enforcement of the unlawful camping ordinance.
On March 10, 2017, HOPE Team members posted notices at campsites and will be returning on March 17 to implement both outreach and, if needed, enforcement of the unlawful camping ordinance. Deputies have contacted campers and provided "helping hands" bags from local churches. Additionally, HOPE Team members provided "Street Roots" and other resource information in an effort to connect homeless citizens with assistance such as options for alternative shelter.
HOPE Team members have recently identified approximately 25 separate, individual campsites and have contacted approximately 40 citizens in this area.
Sheriff Reese has submitted a new program offer in the FY2018 budget to establish a fulltime Homeless Outreach and Programs Engagement (Safety Net) team consisting of two deputies. The HOPE Team will partner with local service providers to help our homeless citizens find a path out of homelessness. Please contact MCSO for more information about this concept program.