North Portland homeless shelter has neighbors thinking about moving away: ‘People should not be living like this’

Key Takeaways:

• The Moore Street Shelter off North Killingsworth is at the center of community frustrations.
• Residents claim drug use and vandalism have spiked around the shelter.
• Some neighbors are contemplating moving away.
• City officials face pressure from local residents.
• The situation highlights the broader challenges of homelessness.

Community Frustrations in North Portland

The Moore Street Shelter off North Killingsworth has become a focal point for tension in the neighborhood. According to some neighbors, increased vandalism and open drug use have become daily concerns. They say the shelter has played a central role in these issues, leaving them worried about the safety and stability of their community.

Why Some Residents Are Moving On

A growing number of homeowners and tenants alike are thinking about relocating. They cite daily disruptions and a sense that the area has become unsafe. One local resident’s words voice a shared frustration: “People should not be living like this.” This sentiment reflects both concern for those outside the shelter and alarm at the ongoing problems affecting the neighborhood.

Neighbors Push Back on City

Responding to what they perceive as inadequate handling of local homelessness and associated troubles, concerned community members are urging the city to take action. They insist that more must be done to address vandalism, drug use, and living conditions in and around the shelter. Their efforts underscore a need for dialogue between officials, shelter staff, and residents as they look for practical solutions.

A Shared Challenge

Though tensions are high, the problem highlights a broader societal issue: homelessness in an urban environment. Residents of the Moore Street Shelter, along with the North Portland neighbors, are caught in a struggle that many American cities face. For now, the neighbors continue to speak out, hoping that by voicing their concerns, they can prompt meaningful change in a place so many call home.