Portland's Funding Battle: Refugees Versus Homeless Services
A contentious political battle has erupted in Portland as Councillor Angelita Morillo proposes diverting millions from the city's homeless encampment clearance programme to support refugee communities. The Paraguayan immigrant, who describes herself as having experienced homelessness, wants to reallocate approximately $4.3 million from the Impact Reduction Program that only launched in July.
Mayor's Warning: Neighbourhood Livability at Risk
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has issued stark warnings about the consequences of Morillo's proposal, telling residents their 'neighbourhood livability is at risk'. In a Sunday email newsletter, the liberal leader cautioned that the funding cuts would force service reductions of 75 percent and leave hazardous materials accumulating on city streets. Wilson projected up to 100 workers could face layoffs if the plan proceeds.
The Impact Reduction Program currently operates with a $14.7 million budget after the Oregon Department of Transportation stopped funding removals on state-owned properties. The initiative enables Portland residents to report problem campsites and derelict RVs, with city crews conducting clean-ups based on hazard levels.
Growing Crisis Meets Competing Priorities
Portland's homeless population has surged by 61 percent since 2023, with 12,034 people currently experiencing homelessness across Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties according to Portland State University research. Meanwhile, the sanctuary city hosts one of Oregon's largest refugee populations, with immigrants comprising 13.5 percent of Portland's residents compared to 10 percent statewide.
Morillo argues that Mayor Wilson's approach of moving people from streets to shelters wastes funds on 'short-term solutions'. Her proposal specifically requests that the homeless initiative 'reduce campsite sweeps' while redirecting resources to food assistance, housing and support for refugees.
The council is scheduled to debate the controversial measure at a Wednesday meeting, with Mayor Wilson urging residents to attend and voice opposition to what he describes as a 'devastating' proposal for every neighbourhood in Portland.
