Background
In a previous article, Understanding State and Federal Law in Regard to Homelessness, I discussed a Supreme Court ruling that effectively gave states the authority to regulate homelessness. Oregon had already enacted laws addressing this issue, including HB 3115, which allows cities to regulate homelessness in a time, place and manner that is “objectively reasonable.”
However, this law has created significant challenges for local governments, as cities and counties struggle to implement regulations that comply with state law while effectively addressing homelessness. The vague requirement for regulations to be “objectively reasonable” makes it difficult to enforce policies without facing potential lawsuits. As a result, law-abiding, taxpaying citizens are suffering, unable to enjoy public spaces and services as they once did.
There is an opportunity to repeal HB 3115 through HB 2432, but the chances of success appear slim at this time. Please consider doing what you can to help ensure the passage of HB 2432. More information can be found here: Homelessness Crisis: HB 2432 Bill to Repeal HB 3115.
A Possible Solution: Mid-Barrier Shelters
One potential solution is the establishment of mid-barrier shelters operated by nonprofits. These shelters would require all residents to be drug-free or enrolled in a monitored rehabilitation program. Strict rules would need to be in place, particularly prohibiting drug use entirely. Such shelters would provide much-needed services and connections to additional resources, making it easier for those who genuinely want help to get back on track. Additionally, requiring individuals to sign in would ensure accountability and structure.
The Problem of Career Drug Addicts and Vagrants
One of the biggest obstacles to addressing homelessness is the presence of career drug addicts and vagrants. These individuals are not seeking help and often make it difficult to reach those who genuinely want assistance. If we could separate career addicts from those in need of help, the problems our communities face would be significantly reduced.
For these chronic offenders, incarceration may be the only viable option. Without consequences for their behavior, they will continue to disrupt communities, making it harder for those who truly need assistance to receive it.
The Role of Law Enforcement
We also need 24/7 enforcement of existing laws. If our laws—such as those prohibiting drug use in public, drug possession, public defecation, and littering—were consistently enforced, many of these problems would not exist at the scale we see today.
Measure 110 was amended to allow for the arrest of drug users, yet enforcement remains inadequate. There is no legal justification for allowing homelessness to equate to lawlessness. Strict and consistent enforcement of existing laws is necessary to restore order and safety in communities like Grants Pass. It is unclear why law enforcement has not been able to maintain the level of enforcement necessary to address these issues.
Ending the Cycle of Enabling
We must stop enabling career drug addicts and vagrants. These individuals have chosen this lifestyle, prioritizing their next drug fix over employment or self-improvement. When nonprofits and individuals provide free food, tents, shelter, syringes, and other handouts, they are not helping but instead prolonging a destructive cycle.
True change will only happen when these individuals hit rock bottom and decide for themselves to seek help. Until then, continued handouts prevent them from reaching that turning point. The best way to address this issue is to stop enabling destructive behavior—forcing those who refuse to change to either clean up or leave.
Conclusion
If nonprofits establish shelters with strict rules—including mandatory drug rehabilitation—those who genuinely want help will receive it. At the same time, those who are not seeking help will be discouraged from remaining in the community due to a lack of handouts and strict law enforcement. By taking a firm stance on enforcement and eliminating incentives for vagrancy, we can restore order and improve the quality of life for all residents. By repealing HB 3115 all of Oregon will be free to develop their own polices to best address homelessness in their community. Write the committee members asking for passage of HB 2432, for sample letter and email address please see; Homelessness Crisis: HB 2432 Bill to Repeal HB 3115