Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue said first responders took five people from a MAX line stop to the hospital. The authorities said they are homeless people who rode the train to the end of the line trying to stay warm.
A similar occurrence happened several years ago where a local education analyst name Richard Gilliam was riding the train and the power went out. He assisted those that were there and made suggestions to state and county officials.
It is being reported that the City of Beaverton just purchased a building to use as a year-round shelter space. Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty participated with agencies in a summit to discuss new options to address the homeless crisis as a top priority.
“This is not just a Portland problem. While Portland’s problem is very visible, issues exist here. We’re interconnected in the greater Portland area. We’re a MAX stop away, and Beaverton has issues that maybe aren’t as visible as Portland. We have one of the highest rates of teen homelessness in the state,” said Lacey.
This is being taken serious by other municipalities. Washington County Community leaders met to discuss new solutions to the homeless crisis. Many note that the unhoused community are facing temperatures at or below freezing level. Washington County opened severe weather shelters ahead of freezing temps this weekend.
First responders are noticing a spike in hospitalizations for those living on the street, and agencies say collaboration is the key to finding solutions. The Portland Medium will continue to follow the houselessness crisis in the Pacific Northwest.
