There are countless gears turning as the City, County, State, and Federal Government work together to stop the spread of COVID-19, here are a few things that are being done locally that our office has frequently gotten questions about:
1) The City has deployed dozens of hygiene stations around Portland along with sixteen portable toilets. beta.portland.gov/pbem/emergency…
2) Portland Parks and Recreation has ordered 54 Park bathrooms across the City to remain open during this emergency. beta.portland.gov/pbem/emergency…
3) PPB & County Sheriffs are taking an education first approach in enforcing the Gov Brown's social distancing order, which includes people living on the street. The City is not conducting campsite cleanups unless the encampment is in harms way.
(Last week there were two instances of asking camps to move, both were located on the street and in immediate danger of being hit by vehicles. Some sweeps are still being conducted by ODOT which is State run).
4) The County is working with our medical health officials to deploy a mobile team in certain areas, with the help of our service providers.
5) Following the Governor Brown's order, we have closed City parks with playgrounds and sport courts that promote congregate environments. This policy is to discourage overcrowding and promote safe social distancing practices.
6) East Portland Community Center is now being used as a women's only shelter. The Charles Jordan Community Center and Oregon Convention Center are housing 240 individuals.
7) Hotels are being used for quarantining and monitoring the health conditions of high risk houseless individuals in coordination with our medical providers and homeless services agencies. One hotel in Central Portland opened, and we are preparing a 2nd to open in East Portland.
8) There are no citations being issued to individuals living on the street for not being in their encampment. We know that many rely on service providers that are traditionally congregate settings. We are working closely with those providers and requesting their help to educate.
9) $1 million has been reallocated in Portland Housing Bureau resources to support the bureau’s COVID-19 Emergency Housing Stabilization Fund. This fund will support 1,800 to 2,000 households with direct cash assistance for rent, food, medication and other urgent household needs.
10) The City/County passed an eviction moratorium. We are still working to assess options for assistance to renters and homeowners once the eviction moratorium is lifted but first, we are taking these immediate steps to keep people housed. beta.portland.gov/phb/rental-ser…
There is so much work left to be done, but we are going to do everything in our power to serve you and give you the care you need.
#PdxCovid19
#WeGotThisPDX
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