Get these pieces of garbage off the street. I was riding in to downtown on MAX earlier this week on my way to work in the morning. Four "street kids" got on MAX and started being loud and crowing about how they think it's funny how people give them money for "food" because they really go and use it on drugs. They were disgustingly open about how they couldn't wait for their next fix. Pieces of garbage. I'm sure there are legitimately disadvantaged individuals who cannot work for various reasons, but those people usually seek help so they can live respectably. The idiots who camp out on the street and panhandle are nothing but addicts who have no desire to clean up or contribute to society whatsoever. All they do is intimidate citizens and detract from what should be a good environment for business in a central city. The city needs to take the most aggressive possible stance against these individuals and start showing that they believe in catering to businesses and those who contribute to the economy and to society and not spend time and resources on these lost causes who detract from the overall health of a city.
In the North Carolina Triangle area they passed a law that panhandlers and street vendos had to get a permit. They had to pay a $20 fee, sign a form stating they understood the regulations and were an orange vest when they were panhandling/selling. The panhandlers practically disappeared over night. Some people actually got the permit and wore the vest but people knew to avoid them on the street. Conversely most of the and guys selling flowers/newspapers at the intersections got the permit and vest
that is interesting. I think the homeless should sort of be registered at the salvation army or something like that. And the SA can sort of tell who is a good seed and who is not. Take in the good seeds, and clean up the streets. Seriously, why would anyone want to live outside in oregon year round?
You are aware the SA is a religious organization/business, not a government agency? As for wanting to live outside, I'm sure that's not the case. Offer one of them a room or garage to stay in and I'm sure they'll gratefully take you up on it.
J. Isaac, the Portland Trail Blazers' senior vice president for business affairs and a Pioneer Courthouse Square board member, said several groups looking to hold events in the square have recently reneged. The groups are concerned about behavior by so-called “road warriors” who temporarily live along Portland’s streets, he said. “We had the sit-lie ordinance and prostitution-free zones, but we need to replace those tools with something that’s equally as effective,” he said. Set the bar a little higher maybe?