Housing
Oregon landlords filed at least 2,324 evictions in January
The eviction crisis has arrived in Oregon. In 2020, the nation feared an eviction wave, anticipating a mass of renters unable to pay rent after losing work during the pandemic. COVID-19 spurred unprecedented efforts — and funds — to protect tenants, but researchers and advocates say those efforts represented a temporary stopgap for longstanding issues.…
Homeless Multnomah County resident deaths surge 53% in 2021
Multnomah County’s Domicile Unknown report found at least 193 Multnomah County residents died while homeless in 2021 — the deadliest year on record since the county began compiling the yearly report in 2011. The number of deaths recorded in Domicile Unknown reports, which aggregates and examines Multnomah County Medical Examiner data, increased each of the…
Oregon tenants and landlords square off over bill to slow down evictions
When her tenants fail to pay rent, Dianne Cassidy of Gladstone wants to evict them as efficiently as possible. Otherwise, she told Oregon lawmakers, she faces a disturbing alternative. "I am being forced to personally support strangers with whom I have no affiliation," Cassidy said. Members of the Senate Committee on Housing and Development heard…
Vendor Profiles
Street Roots vendor profile | A way with words
Tamara Knapper is interested in the sound of words. It’s a fascination that comes up often while talking with her. “My name is easy to remember: Tamara,” she explains. “Ta” as in “tall,” and “Mara” like “Maria.” With an engaging smile, she’s quick to laugh and joke. “It’s funny,” she said. “My mom wanted to…
Opinion
Letter from the editor | City Council should let Portlanders decide on a transparency advocate
While Portland’s city government lists “transparency” among its core values, anyone tasked with filing (or fulfilling) more than a few public records requests can tell you that value is much more aspirational than descriptive. Frequent readers of Street Roots and other outlets that cover Portland’s government are also likely aware of recent issues in the…
News
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde expand opioid treatment program to Portland
The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde is bringing its whole-person opioid addiction treatment to Portland. Dozens attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the tribe’s second Great Circle Recovery clinic Feb. 6, including county and tribal officials. Set to open to the public Feb. 21, tribal officials and community members say the Southeast Portland clinic, which offers…
