Part 11/13:
The social fabric of Portland is fraying amid rising violence and unaddressed homelessness. Residents express frustration and helplessness, with some witnessing gang violence, shootings, and open drug use almost daily. The closure of longstanding community staples like Fred Meyer symbolizes a broader societal failure to manage rising crime and social disorder.
These developments foster a sense of insecurity, leading residents to feel unsafe grocery shopping or simply going about their daily routines. The consequences extend beyond economics, affecting community cohesion and public safety.