Part 5/9:
Wilson's plan centers on instituting a network of nighttime emergency shelters alongside day centers, aiming to create a comprehensive system of support. However, the effectiveness of these shelters remains a point of contention. Critics argue that simply adding shelters does not address the root issues at play—specifically the growing addiction crisis fueled by substances like fentanyl.
The structure of Portland's current shelter system has changed over the years, shifting to longer stays and reduced entry requirements, ultimately resulting in an inefficient model that can fail to meet immediate needs. Many current shelter users may not feel incentivized to move indoors, especially when they can sustain their drug use in tent camps nearby.