Living Without a Home: The Issue of Homelessness in Newberg

Reported By: Evania Garlinghouse

Illustrated By: Sydney Simmons

       Homelessness is quite the epidemic here in Newberg. Police have noticed a lot of people "car camping,": using their vehicle as their primary form of shelter. Many homeless people in town sleep in public parks or on benches, and some of these people are teens and young adults. The experience of being homeless is something that many people in our community face every day. Oregon is populated by about 14,476 homeless people every night, 52% of which are unsheltered. 

     Many factors affect the rate of homelessness, and there are many different potential ways to address it. Some students from Portland State University (PSU) studied this problem and found that the lack of affordable housing in Newberg is at the root of this issue. They interviewed people on the streets to get a firsthand record of what led them to this place and what may help them. 

    Some people they interviewed chose not to go to a homeless shelter because they felt unwelcome there, citing the regimented lifestyle in the shelters. 

Having a place where they could consistently park their car and be safe without worry of penalty or being forced to leave could make a big difference, interviewees said.  Some churches have volunteered to help with this and allow “car camping” in their parking lots. Several other resources for the homeless community exist in our area, as well.

    One resource is Friends in Service to Humanity (FISH) which is a local food pantry. Habitat for Humanity  also works to provide shelter and living spaces to people in our community. They also sell furniture and building materials at discounted prices to help people build homes. 

One of the main resources for college age students who may be experiencing homelessness is YCAP’s Youth Transitional Living Center. This center is for people aged 16-21 and it provides resources to help people become more self-sustaining. Counselors and case workers are provided as necessary. Various helpful classes are also offered, such as budgeting and cooking. 

Homelessness deeply affects the people in our community. If you want to do something to help, many shelters are looking for volunteers, and the information needed to volunteer can be found on their websites. We all have the capacity to make a difference in our community.