Montavilla neighborhood faces backlash over new homeless shelter site
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Portland’s Montavilla neighborhood will soon be home to a new alternative shelter site, leaving several neighbors displeased.
Multnomah County approved the beginning of the construction of the site on Southeast 82nd Avenue and Oak Street on Thursday. The space will provide 29 sleeping pods as well as 33 spots for vehicles.
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But some residents told KOIN 6 News they have experienced several accounts of violence in the last few years and fear it would continue to get worse with the homeless village nearby.
“We’re woken up almost every night from yelling and screaming to small bombs going off, to catalytic converters being cut off, fires – it just kind of doesn’t end,” Kaley Schwarzwalter said.
Meanwhile, several religious leaders like Sarah Fisher, an episcopal priest and street chaplain, have also spoken in favor of the site.
“With all due respect, homeowners and business owners are not more worthy of care and respect than people living unsheltered,” Fisher said.
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The plot was purchased by the county and the project is being spearheaded by the Joint Office of Homeless Services.
Construction will begin in August 2024 with the goal to be complete by the end of December.
As a part of the agreement, the unhoused community currently living in the Montavilla neighborhood will get priority at the shelter.
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