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Southeast Portland neighbors worry about new homeless camp


This homeless camp has popped up on Southeast 32nd and Belmont. (KATU Photo)
This homeless camp has popped up on Southeast 32nd and Belmont. (KATU Photo)
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Some Southeast Portland neighbors are concerned about a homeless camp that popped up on Southeast 32nd and Belmont.

A mother who lives across the street says she had a run-in just a few weeks ago, where someone blocked her front steps. She's now concerned for her family's safety.

"There are days that I'm scared. I have a 6-month-old baby," said Kim Steers. "I went to take her for a walk one morning, and I went down my steps and there was someone blocking my steps, and I said I'm not going out there right now, I'll wait until they're gone."

Others say they've noticed what they describe as criminal behavior, like stealing and using the adjacent parking lot as a restroom.

Steers says they've called police several times.

City officials say they've received more than a dozen complaints from that area. PBOT officials also confirm reports of abandoned vehicles in the area. Those vehicles have since been moved.

Another man who lives across the street says he doesn't mind the campsite as much. He just hopes they get some help.

"I think that since this is such a huge problem in Portland, more neighbors and more of the community should be helping these people, rather than reporting them and just trying to push them away, because it's a real problem," said James Brandt.

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