Dignity Village


Dignity Village in Portland, Oregon was founded by 8 homeless people. In 2001, city officials granted them rights to live on a selected plot without interference. Now with a population of about 60, the community has a village council, 24-hour security, and a website. deputydog calls it “the most organized shantytown on earth.” http://deputy-dog.com/2008/02/08/the-most-organised-shanty-town-on-earth/

I don't think calling it "freeloading" is fair. Although many people end up homeless for various reasons, some chose to be homeless in order to live in an alternative (albeit a bit extreme) lifestyle. I see this as an amazing opportunity to teach the world something good. This, however, is not the first time the homeless have come together in an organized way: I present the hobo Code of Conduct.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
That looks so nice! I'm a little surprised, to be honest. I wonder where the internet comes from though? Prolly public library work, now that I think of it...
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Are those solar panels on the buildings in the upper left?

I think this is a great idea. Every major city should do this, if only to cut down on the medical costs of homeless people.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Gosh. Nice idea and good for them, the are obviousely very functional homeless people. Alot of Homeless are not functional enough to organize and maintain like that. I bet the place smells like ass, though.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Basically, they're living in squalor.
If they're that good at organization, why can't they get a real place to live up and running?
60 people with 60 incomes would have a lot of buying power, if they put their minds to it.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I live in Vancouver, WA across the river and i've walked through there before. Its amazing what a few people can do with whatever they can find. Before the city let them stay there, the people were forced out and the village was bulldozed several times. I was really glad when they allowed them to keep it.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Hey Colt Seaver,

Since the are a 501c3 non-profit, pay taxes, utilities and insurance, the IRS is already familiar with them. Thanks for paying attention.

If people here are genuinely curious, look into this place. Homelessness is not a disease, it is simply a matter of not having a home. Not every homeless person is a smelly drunk. And it's not just a matter of getting a job.

Some people in this society are unable to work, and the social safety net is full of holes. There needs to be more places that don't require residents to pay more than they can afford.

Having said that, people at Dignity Village work 10 hours a week for their stay there, some have outside jobs, and most only use it for a place to transition. They are able to get cleaned up, or get a job or whatever they weren't able to do sleeping in a shelter or on the sidewalk.

If you have issues with this camp, you haven't looked at the whole story. the only issue you need have is that more people don't donate to this place or create more of them.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Click here to access all of this post's 18 comments




Email This Post to a Friend
"Dignity Village"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More