PORTLAND -- A homeless camping protest at City Hall continues, and police have no immediate plans to shut it down.
Some campers have been protesting during the day and camping at night since the Occupy Portland movement was forced out of nearby parks late last year
Mike Withey says he has been camping at city hall for seven months, and wants the city to do more to house the homeless.
“What we’re asking is that we allow those people who want to get off the street, a safe place to get off the street, too,” said Withey, who believes Portland city leaders ought to request the AMERICORPS program build a homeless relief shelter in the city.
Police have so far made just a few arrests, instead focusing on educating campers on how to not break the law, outside City Hall.
Police say they are also trying to get services to people who need it.
“We’re just trying to figure out what they need what they want, how can we help because ultimately someday down the road enforcement might take place -- that’s not how we want to start these types of encounters,” said Lt. Mike Marshman.
In the meantime, campers must leave eight feet of sidewalk space for pedestrians, and not put up structures, among other city rules.
