Sisters Of The Road offers cart storage check-in during Old Town/Chinatown Neighborhood Cleanup Saturday, April 26th
On Saturday, April 26, 2014, to coincide with the Old Town Chinatown “Spring Cleanup, Sisters Of The Road will open our Cafe and Personalist Center from 8am – 10am for people who would like to store their belongings for the day. People can return to Sisters between 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm to pick up their belongings.
Many of our customers have had their possessions confiscated by police and private security during the many sweeps and patrolling of downtown and Old Town/Chinatown. The loss of material such as bedding, medication, personal papers such as birth certificates, I.D., etc.; and personal or family mementoes imposes a significant burden and hardship, often setting back efforts to find employment, housing, and engage in services.
Those who have no permanent housing are most vulnerable to losing valuable, important or precious belongings during otherwise commendable efforts to clean-up and beautify neighborhoods. Such items are often stored or moved around in multiple bags or sometimes carts that may be considered unsightly by some, but are a necessity when there are no options for permanent housing or affordable storage at ones disposal.
As reported by both the
Oregonian and the
Portland Mercury, the Portland Police Bureau has used the Sidewalk Management Ordinance to charge people experiencing homelessness under the Chronic Offender Pilot Project, despite the fact that the District Attorney did not intend the ordinance to be used for that. This overreach has resulted in many of our community members being especially vulnerable and targeted in recent months.
Neither the city nor any private agency currently provides adequate storage space sufficient to meet the demand caused by Portland’s lack of affordable housing.
Sisters Of The Road is responding to many of our customers expressions of concern about what might happen to their belongings during the cleanup, and we hope to alleviate any negative impacts that might result for people who have no other options. Sisters Of The Road supports the
Homeless Bill of Rights campaign, which would protect the property rights of people who lack housing from unreasonable seizure, damage and loss.