Today I’ll be a guest at 11:40 am NOON on KXL’s “The Lars Larson” (750) show to discuss new initiatives being announced this morning by Mayor Tom Potter to address problems in the downtown core area associated with people who are homeless taking up sidewalk space, scaring off potential shoppers, and urinating in public places.

Over the course of the last year a diverse group of business owners, police, homeless advocates and social service providers have been working on solutions.

There are five key components of the plan:

1. Implement a Day Access/Resource Center with physical space for up to 150 adult women and men open during the day; adequate bathroom facilities and storage lockers, and experienced outreach/engagement/housing placement staff.

2. Provide adequate public seating and benches in “High Pedestrian Traffic Areas” to provide alternatives to sitting or lying on sidewalks.

3. Implement a public restroom plan that makes more restroom facilities available to the public in high traffic areas.

4. Enact a “High Pedestrian Traffic Area” ordinance that prohibits anyone from sitting or lying on a public sidewalk between 7 am and 9 pm in defined High Pedestrian Traffic Areas. Violators could receive a non-criminal citation in West Side Community Court, with the possibility of fines, community service and/or referral for appropriate services/treatment.

5. Create an oversight committee to implement these strategies. $750,000 is being allocated for the initiative.

Portland’s previous response to dealing with this issue has been to beef up law enforcement and the creation of new anti-homeless ordinances. Those efforts have failed for decades. Of course, we need permanent solutions that end homelessness – not just manage it – and that is why I’m thankful the Mayor is working with Portland City Commissioner Erik Sten to support efforts to address chronic homelessness through the city’s 10 Year Plan.

More, however, needs to be done to address the needs of homeless families in the entire Multnomah County area. Working now in the Parkrose neighborhood I see homeless people search for food and shelter in neighborhoods that have few resources. Downtown is not the only area in need of help.

Feel free to call into the show while I'm on to express your thoughts.  Call-in: (866) HEY-LARS