VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY:
The visionPDX Input Report

ECONOMY:
Poverty

  


back  |  next
     

Portland should be able to ensure a basic quality of life for all its residents.

Section Summary

Many respondents view poverty as a systemic issue brought about by overlapping economic, political and social factors. In this section, people call on the private sector to assume more social responsibility by helping to end poverty and homelessness. They also urge the public sector to expand existing systems, such as transportation and social services, to help people struggling with poverty access employment opportunities. Portlanders believe that much of the recent economic development is not benefiting everyone, and they request a more equitable distribution of public services and resources.

Numerous Portlanders want to ensure access to stable, affordable housing and home ownership options in desirable neighborhoods, and they are aware of the complex, intersecting nature of issues such as poverty, homelessness, housing and employment, and want to see creative solutions.

Note: This section was quite small but there were other sections, such as Social Issues: Homelessness, where the concept of poverty was addressed more frequently by community members.

Summary of Main Ideas

  1. Businesses should help end poverty and homelessness.
  2. Public transportation should be expanded to underserved areas.
  3. More resources and investments are needed in programs that prevent and alleviate poverty.
  4. Recent economic development is not benefiting a large portion of the public.
  5. There must be more equitable distribution of resources and services among Portlanders.

MAIN IDEAS

  1. Businesses should help end poverty and homelessness.
  • The local businesses should fulfill their social obligation to give back to the community.
  • Some people believe that if there is investment in small businesses upfront, that local business owners will eventually give back to the community.
  • Local businesses should be willing to train and hire people transitioning out of the justice system and people experiencing homelessness.
  • The business sector should include more job training and opportunities for people with disabilities and ethnic minorities.
“Better employment opportunities; making Portland more friendly to businesses - large and small; continued investment both public and private in fighting poverty and all its symptoms; improving public education.”

  1. Public transportation should be expanded to underserved areas.
  • People of all income levels should be able to experience and access “everything that Portland has to offer,” no matter how far from the central city they live.
  • Transportation can be a barrier for families and youth struggling with poverty to be able to participate in programs and activities, or even to commute to school.
  • Many people appreciate the existing public transportation system in Portland and how it enables access to employment opportunities.
  • Respondents also see the potential and need for expanding public  transportation services (for specific ideas, see Transportation: Public Transportation).
  • In general, Portlanders believe that public transportation and alternative transportation options (e.g., bike lanes, walking paths) should first be expanded in under-served neighborhoods.
  • Reasons cited for expanding public transportation include:
    • Easing commutes to work;
    • More efficient commutes to educational institutions;
    • Providing people with greater access to employment options; and
    • Providing a means for people who lack private vehicles to enjoy natural settings outside the urban core.
“[In 2030] public transportation in Portland is easy to use and provides all community members with options. Some Portlanders ride public transport as part of environmental consciousness and others due to financial restrictions. Equal opportunity in the city of Portland is critical. We do not want to create a city that is strictly geared towards people of wealth.”

"From a homeless person's point of view, the things that are free really are a major selling point. Like the Tri-Met free zone, TPI, Portland Rescue Mission and the many others that show their concern for the less fortunate. Portland also seems as though it's always progressing, improving and keeping up with the modern world. Everything that Portland has to offer is within reach (easily accessible) by foot or within the Tri-Met free zone. I've lived all over the U.S. - East Coast to West - and Portland is the only city that seems to have everything to offer. I've lived here approximately eight years and have no plans on leaving. I've only been homeless for approximately one year and once my doctor releases me from my back surgery I can go back to my full-time job as a machine operator."

Sample Strategies:

  1. "Seek business partners to create an endowment to annually fund three-zone bus passes for every enrolled middle and high school student. This will increase low income families capacity; make public transportation a viable option for youth, protect the environment, allow for more field trips, service learning, and job opportunities.”
  2. Provide transportation subsidies for low or no income population.
  1. More resources and investments are needed in programs that prevent and alleviate poverty.
  • Expanding access to affordable housing seems to be one of the top priorities among community members concerned with preventing poverty.
  • In particular, affordable housing options must be increased for individuals and families with low-incomes and for those transitioning out of homelessness.
  • People experiencing homelessness also need more job placement options, medical coverage and housing.
  • To prevent poverty, many call for investing in education, specifically through more vocational training programs and more financial support for disadvantaged students who want to pursue higher education.
  • Lack of full health coverage, insurance and outstanding medical bills also contribute to poverty. Portlanders want to see a new healthcare system that provides health services for all people (see Health: General).
“They need to make medical coverage affordable for families, like medical, dental, prescription and emergency care. This really needs to happen for low-income families. I want my kids to have insurance, it's important, but I can't afford it."

“Greater investment and commitment to…those experiencing poverty, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. By investing in these areas up front, we save money over time and enhance the ability of all Portlanders to achieve a higher quality of life.”

“[In 2030] PSU, PPS, and the city have received a federal grant to address homelessness, and are attempting novel and engaging solutions to the problem of homelessness, poverty, lack of health insurance, and crime."

Sample Strategies:

  1. Lobby for increased state budget support that would enable more disadvantaged people to receive higher education through institutions such as Portland State University.
  2. “Greater tax breaks for businesses so to attract jobs in Portland to prevent individuals and families from entering the cycle of poverty.”
  3. Pass an initiative that would provide access to healthcare for the uninsured, including undocumented workers and their families.
  1. Recent economic development is not benefiting a large portion of the public.
  • Public subsidies should be minimized for developers and land owners who build condominiums that are designed only for those with high incomes.
  • There is a shared sentiment that some people are benefiting from the real estate market at the expense of those who are less fortunate.
  • People who are trying to transition out of homelessness, prevent homelessness or are generally struggling with non-living wages are generally unable to afford the housing/condo developments in urban renewal districts.
  • More people should qualify for affordable housing and there should be more affordable housing available.
"You are letting too many condos be built or apartment buildings be converted to condos. I've moved here (one reason) because of the affordable housing and within the last 2 years this is being taken away especially in the downtown area. Are you only going to have expensive condos for the rich and flop houses for the poor in downtown? Middle income and lower income and seniors are finding no place to live anymore. This needs to end. It's out of balance and will not work.”

“I would like to see less condo development and a halt to rising costs of living, especially housing. I feel that although I love living here, I may not be able to afford to in the future unless I’m a millionaire.”

“…greater support and money for safe, beautiful housing for lower income residents…”

Sample Strategies:

  1. "I would like to see the definitions of affordable housing changed from 60% of the median family income to a realistic figure, so that people who are truly low-income would be able to afford housing if we are no longer subsidizing developers with our taxes."
  1. There must be more equitable distribution of quality resources and services among Portlanders.
  • Many respondents believe that existing basic services and resources are not reaching all Portlanders, and that this trend needs to be reversed.
    • Health Care: Health care is seen as a right for everyone and not a benefit that should come at the expense of people’s financial security.
    • Social Services: People see the need to expand services and make them more accessible to those who most need them, as well as to reduce linguistic, cultural and other barriers to obtaining social services.
    • Education: There should be more stable financial support and funding of education, training and services to populations in need, such as job training programs for people experiencing homelessness.
    • Housing: Subsidized and affordable housing should be offered in every neighborhood along with nearby services for the economically challenged.
    • Gardens: More affordable community gardens and increased gardening programs for people struggling with poverty.
    • Youth Activities: Make free summer programs available for underprivileged young people.
"[In 2030, we are] welcoming diversity. Programs [are] available to help people financially, and in health care. There are fewer disparities."

“[I would like to see] funding more evenly distributed to schools. I wish the economic status of a neighborhood did not immediately reflect on the schools. Poor schools in poor neighborhoods vs. privileged schools in privileged neighborhoods.”

Sample Strategies:

  1. "Stop putting all the subsidized housing in outer east Portland - require even distribution of units so all schools and all parts of the city have it in equal proportion."