Frustration, fear, heartbreak: Portlanders weigh in on $44M police, homelessness spending plan
Portland residents Wednesday described a city racked by rising disorder and a deepening homelessness crisis as they weighed in before the Portland City Council on a spending plan aimed to bolster policing and public safety, assist those living on the streets and clean up garbage and debris generated at encampments.
More than 100 people testified during the seven-hour virtual hearing with dozens offering accounts teeming with frustration, fear and heartbreak and many urging elected leaders to approve the proposed $44 million measure scheduled for a vote next week.
Jessica Shellhorn fought back tears as she told the City Council how she had to help her 9-year-old stepson navigate a gantlet of needles, broken glass and human waste near their home off Southeast 162nd Avenue and Division Street.