This essay is a finalist in the 2024 Retro Report Civic Engagement Challenge, a student contest supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
By Tsion Ermias
I was born and raised in Oregon. In the late 2000s, as a kid, I used to venture out and loved to be outside. I usually went to the Rose Garden and explored the city of Portland with my family. Back then, the trees were greener, and there were many festivals. There was little to no homelessness or graffiti, and even then, the graffiti was more seen as “art” rather than something used for rebellious purposes. From a child’s mind, Portland seemed to be filled with so much creativity, yet I had no idea that this perception would change as I grew up.
In 2020, everything changed, not just for me, but for the whole world. In Multnomah County, a quarter of unsheltered individuals stated that the pandemic played a direct role in their homelessness. Additionally, there was a 5% rise in homelessness from 2022 to 2023, with the state having sufficient shelter beds for only 42% of unhoused individuals.
I had a tough time accepting these statistics. I have done many school projects that allowed me to research and connect with people in leadership positions, yet homelessness has intrigued me. I feel privileged enough to be able to wake up in the morning in a loving home, with blankets, fresh food, and access to wifi and technology. However, many people in my community and around the world cannot receive those same opportunities.
This issue transcends race or color; humanity should come first. No person should question where their next meal is coming from or if they can find a place to sleep for the night. People should be treated with genuine dignity, as human life is so precious. It’s discouraging that this issue hasn’t been properly addressed in our community. While I appreciate the recent efforts of the Oregon Housing & Community Services Department and Governor Tina Kotek to tackle this issue through executive orders and funding, I feel that more extensive action is needed. I fully support initiatives to expand shelter capacities and provide housing, but I also want to see efforts to address the underlying causes of homelessness. This includes removing hard drugs from the streets to protect children from exposure, cleaning up graffiti on damaged buildings, and supporting local businesses and youth organizations through funding and resources. The ability to make progress is only possible through fixing our streets. Our economy still needs to heal from the impact of COVID-19, and it’s crucial to not only address domestic affairs in Oregon but also America as a whole, as many others are wishing for similar change in their respective states.
Homelessness is a complex issue that needs support from all members of the community, not just the government. It’s affecting our community’s ability to grow and thrive, so everyone must come together and address this challenge for the American people to flourish.
