Tigard Expands Homeless Programs Amid Growing Crisis

Tigard, Oregon, located about 10 miles south of Portland, is facing a growing homelessness crisis that has sparked fears it could become the 'next Portland,' a city notorious for its homelessness issues and related spikes in drug abuse and crime. Independent journalist Kevin Dahlgren, a vocal critic of local homelessness policies, documented rundown areas and increased vagrant presence in Tigard, including damaged properties overrun by squatters and individuals living on the streets. Dahlgren accused Tigard Mayor Heidi Lueb of indirectly encouraging homelessness by significantly expanding homeless programs beyond the city's current needs. Since Lueb's election in 2022, Tigard has invested $1 million to convert a former Quality Inn hotel into shelter for 70 families and has adopted goals to increase shelter capacity and reduce the impact of homelessness on the community. Some people living on Tigard's streets reportedly moved there from Portland, citing it as a comfortable place to be homeless, and locals have raised concerns about rising sexual assault and human trafficking. The city continues to pursue measures to address homelessness while balancing community concerns.