Most homeless campsites lack proper bathroom facilities or trash disposal, resulting in unsanitary conditions. The garbage can include hazardous items such as human waste and drug-related materials, including needles. Removal and cleanup efforts help maintain the cleanliness and safety of streets, sidewalks, and parks. During campsite removals, Impact Reduction Program's (IRP) staff also provides information about additional resources, such as City’s Outreach Team, 311, and 211.

This measure tracks the number of active campsite removals as well as the cleanups of abandoned or garbage-only sites. Along with other metrics, such as the number of assessments and the amount of trash removed, it enables the City to better understand and address the needs of both the homeless community and other Portland residents.

The numbers indicate an increase in the number of campsites being removed, particularly after the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.

From March to September 2020, campsite removals were suspended due to shelter in place orders, which also limited cleanup efforts. Following that period, cleanup and removal activities intensified, reflecting both an increase in the number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness as well as the improved efficiency and capacity of the City’s campsite reporting and crew dispatching system.

The data includes the number of abandoned campsites that have been cleaned up and the removal of occupied campsites.

The Impact Reduction Program’s comprehensive digital system tracks campsite reporting, assessment, cleanup, and removal efforts, and it provides this data.

For more a comprehensive overview of the City’s Impact Reduction Program, which includes campsite removals.

For more information on the City of Portland Campsite Removal Policy which includes how the city stores personal items from when a camp is removed so that people can get back their personal items.

For more information on referral resources provided to the homeless.

For more information about campsite assessments: HOMELESS CAMPSITE ASSESSMENTS: Number of homeless campsites that are assessed by the City for potential removal

To report unsanctioned camping and or campsite-related trash here is more information from the City’s Impact Reduction Program.