PORTLAND, Ore. -- Neighbors in Multnomah Village gave Portland Mayor Charlie Hales and Multnomah County Chair Debora Kafoury an earful during an emergency meeting Thursday night.
“They don't have to suffer the consequences of the social problems they shove on us,” one neighbor shouted.
The source of their frustration was a suggestion to keep the Sears Shelter for homeless women and couples open for three more months.
Six months ago, Hales promised the same neighbors the shelter would close by May 31st. On Thursday, Hales said his promise was still good, but asked for consideration.
“We've all been asked to think about whether it makes sense to keep it open a little longer so that the shelters that are being prepared can open,” said Hales.
The Sears shelter holds 165 people. Elected officials shared plans for at least three new shelters in the Portland metro area that would be ready in about three months. Some neighbors say the timing couldn't be worse.
“Now we're going into the summer with the windows open and more complications, we just can't do it anymore,” shared a woman in attendance.
Others encouraged compassion.
“We need to ask the question, ‘What is the greater good?’” Rick Nitti asked. He's a neighbor and the executive director of the nonprofit Neighborhood House. “I think the greater good is keeping the shelter open for three more months.”
Ultimately, the decision to keep the Sears shelter open lies outside Thursday’s meeting room. The federal government deeded the building, a former Army Reserve center, to the city as an emergency management building only.
The shelter agreement was strictly for six months.
A neighbor asked Hales who he had talked to in the federal government about getting an extension for the shelter.
“No one,” Hales said. “We came here first.”
A spokesperson from the county said no decision was made Thursday night. The immediate plan included continuing work on the new shelters and keeping neighbors updated on their progress.