Councilor Smith Calls for Fairness and Action in Addressing Homelessness

Portland, OR - In response to Mayor Wilson's recent call for donations to support our city's shelter services, Councilor Smith urges a more compassionate and equitable approach. While community involvement is vital, it's unjust to expect our marginalized residents who are already struggling to contribute more when they have so little left at the end of the month.

"Many Portlanders are already overwhelmed by rising housings costs paying more for parking, water, increased gas taxes, and the Metro homeless shelter taxes, yet they are being asked to dig deeper to solve a problem that the city itself has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to address," said Councilor Smith.

"It's disheartening to see the city rely on voluntary donations from those with the least, rather than taking responsibility through responsible budgeting, planning and asking Council permission to direct donations towards homelessness. To suggest that President Trump will send the National Guard if residents don't donate is "ridiculous." If the President were to send the guard, it would be because he is coming for Portland anyway. Pouring more money into this problem that is already overfunded from the City is not working."

Smith emphasizes that solving homelessness requires strategic, systemic solutions funded by city resources, not additional financial burdens on District 1 residents.

"We need to ensure that our city's budget, which was approved at $8.5 billion, delivers real change."

Portland City Councilor, Loretta Smith, District 1