PORTLAND – The City of Portland’s Office of Equity and Human Rights (OEHR) is working with Mayor Charlie Hales’ office to help ensure that the process of moving homeless campers from the vicinity of City Hall is handled humanely.

“We are concerned with the well-being and human rights of the homeless and do not want the public to conflate homelessness with criminal behavior,” said OEHR Bureau Director, Dante J. James. “We hope to get those who are homeless connected to services and organizations that might be able to help—in the short term. Obviously, we hope the City can also help create long-term solutions to address homelessness.”

Members of the non-profit organization, JOIN, have been on hand at City Hall to advise the homeless campers about services and housing options.

OEHR is also concerned about the safety and accessibility of the area around City Hall, specifically for people with disabilities. With homeless campers on the sidewalks, people who use wheelchairs or canes have issues navigating safely near City buildings.

The Office of Equity and Human Rights (OEHR) focuses on removing systemic barriers to fair and just distribution of resources, access, and opportunity. This focus includes ensuring that City of Portland workplaces and events are inclusive and welcoming.