A life on the streets in Astoria ends in death: A familiar face downtown - December 20, 2019
“The death of a 72-year-old homeless woman on the streets of Astoria this week rattled city officials and advocates, leading them to question what more could have been done to help her. Gail Griffey died of natural causes on Tuesday, according to police. She had been reported unconscious and unresponsive that night outside of T&C Home Furnishings on Commercial Street and was pronounced dead at Columbia Memorial Hospital.”
Astoria, Warrenton meet in the middle on housing - December 13, 2019
“Astoria and Warrenton are on track to allow a denser, more diverse array of housing in single-family neighborhoods.
A countywide housing study showed a lack of affordable workforce housing. Since then, cities have been trying to diversify the region’s housing stock through code, zoning and other changes in building rules.”
Homeless camps a burden on Warrenton: Trash, fires pose danger - December 13, 2019
“WARRENTON — The city is struggling to guard vacant property against homeless camps and illegal activity. Police recently found private property behind Goodwill in wreckage. Garbage, clothes, used needles and other items are strewn throughout the more than 11 acres. Around the same time, there were three fires within a 24-hour period at camps on vacant land, including the property behind Goodwill. A man living in a camp on the property was cited for reckless burning.”
Homeless camp cleared near Alderbook - December 6, 2019
“HA homeless camp near 40th Street and Lief Erikson Drive in Astoria was removed Wednesday by a contractor for the city. Police say the camp, which was reportedly abandoned, was constructed of wood and had windows….”
Helping Hands receives grant from state - November 16, 2019
“Helping Hands in Clatsop, Tillamook, Yamhill and Lincoln counties received an $85,000 grant from Oregon Housing and Community Services to strengthen winter shelter for people who are homeless….”
Astoria Warming Center's season opens on Friday - November 13, 2019
“The Astoria Warming Center’s winter season starts Friday and runs through March 15. The emergency overnight shelter, located in the basement of the First United Methodist Church, opens when the weather dips below 37 degrees Fahrenheit or there is heavy rain. It operates under a conditional use permit from the city and has a “zero tolerance” policy for bad behavior, banning people who don’t follow the rules….”
Everyday People: Former homeless vet donates pottery to shelter - November 4, 2019
“Hamlet native David Cornes found himself out of work and a home a decade ago in Colorado’s Vail Valley. After living in a motor home at rest stops and pullouts, he eventually found some stability with the help of a nearby homeless shelter. Now back home, Cornes wants to give back, donating his pottery to a silent auction supporting the Astoria Warming Center during this month’s Second Saturday Art Walk….”
Fellow alum reaches out to help homeless Yale graduate - November 8, 2019
National Story: “Even with an economics degree from Yale and job experience on Wall Street and in Hollywood, Shawn Pleasants was homeless for 10 years. After seeing his story on CNN, a fellow Yale alumni decided to step in to help.”
Homeless liaison could coordinate county's approach - October 11, 2019
“Government leaders across Clatsop County appear supportive of naming a homeless liaison, if the position and how much it will cost can be better defined. Astoria Police Chief Geoff Spalding broached the idea at a recent meeting of the city’s homelessness solutions task force, noting a 300% increase in calls this year related to the homeless, likely tied to increased awareness of the issue.”
Homeless man reportedly assaulted on Riverwalk - September 16, 2019
“A homeless man was reportedly assaulted early Saturday morning on the Astoria Riverwalk behind Safeway.”
Proposal would buy bus tickets for Seattle-area homeless - September 13, 2019
“As the Seattle area tries to tackle its homelessness crisis, an official wants to spend $1 million to expand a strategy of buying bus tickets out of town for people living on the streets. The concept of sending homeless people back to where they say they’re from or may have support has been in place for decades in parts of the U.S. struggling to get people off the streets.”
Maritime museum's pond faces delays - August 28, 2019
“… Others have wondered if the pond will be abused by the community or become a place for people who are homeless to camp out. One man who gave testimony during a public hearing on a proposed Grocery Outlet nearby joked about how the store could provide affordable toiletries to the homeless ‘after they’re done using the new bathing center at the maritime museum.’”
Homeless man sentenced for Warrenton assault - August 19, 2019
“A homeless man accused of hitting a man over the head with a hatchet pleaded no contest Monday to assault and tampering with a witness.”
Astoria, Warrenton struggle with homelessness - July 26, 2019
“Police calls related to homelessness remain high in Astoria, but the number of illegal camping complaints appears to be down from last year.”
“Warrenton, which is used to a more seasonal homeless population, is seeing a high volume of police calls, as well as numerous camps.”
Everyday People: Whitlock, once homeless, heads to Johns Hopkins University - May 13, 2019
“At 7 years old, Whitlock was diagnosed with epilepsy. The condition delayed her learning abilities, which led to her falling behind in school. ‘Whether it was sounds or lights or stress, I had a hard time processing … those sensitivities,” she said. “It’s like a computer acting up. My body would shut down and restart. I basically needed to reboot my brain.’”
Homeless on the margins for suicide prevention - April 30, 2019
“The rate of suicide among people who are homeless is estimated to be nine times higher than the general population of the United States.”
“Knowing all of this, Amy Baker, the executive director of Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare, plans to add two more people to a small team of recovery allies later this year. The recovery allies’ job is to reach out directly to people with substance abuse issues who may not be ready to engage with services. Though the focus is on substance abuse, allies would go where high-risk people, including those who are homeless, already are: hospital emergency rooms, the county jail, or the streets of Astoria.”
Astoria responds to homeless downtown - April 26, 2019
“Astoria is taking steps to address ‘bad behavior’ among some of the homeless downtown.”
“Picnic tables between the American Legion and a public parking lot on Exchange Street that have become a gathering spot for the homeless have been removed. City properties, including the library, will soon join private businesses on the police department’s Property Watch list, giving officers clear direction on how they should supervise the sites after hours.”
Astoria police track aggressive homeless behavior - April 19, 2019
“The Astoria Police Department is beginning to track what it calls “aggressive activity” by people who are homeless. For the most part, homeless people approached by police because of things like trespassing or alcohol violations interact peacefully and reasonably, Police Chief Geoff Spalding said. But officers felt they were beginning to see a rise in confrontational and aggressive behavior.”
Small fire reported at homeless camp in Warrenton - April 7, 2019
“No injuries or major damage were reported in a fire at a homeless camp behind Goodwill on Saturday night.”
Warrenton struggles with homelessness - March 15, 2019
“…some city leaders are concerned about what they see as a major change when it comes to the homeless. They are noticing more camps around town and an increase in suspicious activity along river trails, Planning Commissioner Ryan Lampi and Commissioner Christine Bridgens said at the end of a commission meeting Thursday.”
Fine forgiveness program could help homeless climb out of debt - March 15, 2019
“It only took a few minutes in front of a judge in February and suddenly Chris Crone had an option for dealing with thousands of dollars in unpaid fines. The fines had piled up over the years and, along with other bills and debts, threatened to overwhelm him. Crone, 49, has been homeless on and off for most of his life.”
Point of View: Should Astoria open a homeless drop-in center? - February 27, 2019
Astoria open to homeless drop-in center idea - February 26, 2019
“Several city councilors believe Astoria could do more to support projects that help the homeless.”
“During an annual goal-setting session Monday, Councilor Joan Herman and Councilor Roger Rocka urged the council to include a daytime drop-in center for the homeless on a draft list of priorities for the year.”
Deputy director sues Northwest Oregon Housing Authority - February 26, 2019
“A top administrator for the Northwest Oregon Housing Authority who was put on administrative leave last spring is suing the organization and its executive director.”
“In a lawsuit filed on Monday, Teresa Sims, the deputy director, alleges that she has faced retaliation from Todd Johnston and the housing authority for speaking out about mismanaged public funds and unlawful hiring practices.”
[Note-NOHA is responsible for Section 8 housing vouchers in Clatsop County (and others). Vouchers are of particular importance to the homeless, disabled, and elderly. There is currently about a three year wait for a voucher once an applicant is accepted onto the wait list.]
Group considers drop-in center for the homeless in Astoria - February 21, 2019
“There is a new push to open a daytime drop-in center for the homeless in Astoria.”
“Former Mayor Arline LaMear has said a drop-in center is critical in addressing homelessness and it was something she would have liked to see established during her time as mayor. But she and other city leaders were doubtful that city resources could create and maintain a facility.”
Homelessness task force in Astoria still looking for direction - February 1, 2019
“A task force created over a year ago to address homelessness in Astoria feels like it can claim some victories. But not everyone agrees there is progress. Under the leadership of a new mayor, the group is now examining what remains to be done and what is even possible.”
Guest column: Homeless have heartbeat, just like us - January 15, 2019
“When I finished reading the Property Watch story last week in The Daily Astorian (“Business leaders say Property Watch has worked well, but issues persist,” Jan. 11), I thought that the concept is 180 degrees wrong. But after further reflection, I think it’s about 50 percent complete. Allowing police to monitor business properties after hours is certainly a tool in the community toolbox, but by no means the exclusive fix.”
Property Watch moves forward as Astoria struggles with a response to homelessness - January 11, 2019
“As an Astoria police program meant to help businesses monitor property enters its third year, it represents a small solution in the city’s otherwise fluid response to homelessness. Property Watch, which allows officers to supervise commercial and apartment properties after hours on the owners’ behalf, was rebooted in 2017 to curb aggressive panhandling downtown. It attracted 36 participants in its first year. Last year, 68 businesses signed on.”