In Portland, Oregon, a longstanding community campsite known as Block 13 is facing closure as city and state officials initiate construction of a substantial fence aimed at halting camping along a busy stretch of roadway.
For over a decade, Block 13 has served as a refuge for vulnerable youth, particularly those identifying as queer, providing them with safety and connection amidst a challenging reality.
Jupiter, a 16-year-old who has called Block 13 home, expressed deep sorrow about the upcoming changes. ‘It meant survival; it meant safety,’ they lamented. ‘It is tragic and heartbreaking that a campsite that lasted for almost 13 years — that supported specifically queer, drug-free youth — is gone.’
In a show of solidarity, fellow camper Andy remarked, ‘This was OI camp; this was Block 13. A bunch of us kids camped out here and got services at OI. This was a family, a f—ing community.’
The campsite, positioned between Southwest 13th Avenue and Interstate 405, has weathered numerous sweeps but was ultimately unable to withstand the latest initiative by local authorities.
According to a spokesperson from Outside In, the medical clinic nearby, the organization partners with city officials and neighbors concerning safety measures for those living outside. ‘We’re in alignment with our partners at the city and in the neighborhood around the need for folks living outside to camp where it is safe to do so,’ they stated.
Despite guidance through the Good Neighbor Agreement, implementation has faltered, prompting the decision to erect the protective barrier.
Mayor Keith Wilson’s office released a statement identifying the ongoing safety concerns surrounding the area. ‘This area has remained a significant concern for the Street Services Coordination Center outreach team, the Impact Reduction Program, and the Public Environment Management Office,’ the statement read.
Officials highlighted the inherent dangers of camping in high-traffic areas and underscored the need for safety. They noted that ODOT has been installing fencing along urban highways for decades, prioritizing safety and environmental protection.
An ODOT spokesperson elaborated, saying, ‘It is dangerous and illegal to camp on state highway right-of-way. Camping also can create environmental hazards such as bio-waste and trash, cause fires, distract road users, and interfere with ODOT’s ability to safely maintain the state highway system.’
Plans for the permanent fence include a durable black-wrought iron design, with ODOT responsible for construction costs and the city assuming maintenance duties. However, supply chain delays have temporarily stalled construction.
In the interim, the city has allocated $64,000 for a temporary chain link fence. Once the permanent fence is constructed, the temporary fencing will be repurposed for future projects.
The total estimated cost for both the pending permanent fencing projects and the temporary structure stands at nearly $900,000, with ODOT and the city splitting expenses. The permanent structure on its own is expected to cost around $457,000, while the additional fence across the interstate is pegged at over $383,000.
Jupiter and Andy are troubled by the hefty financial commitment, arguing that the money could have been better used to provide housing for those previously residing at Block 13.
‘Wow, what 1 million dollars could do … God, a tenth of that could house everyone that was camping here before Rapid Response ripped it apart,’ Jupiter contended.
Echoing similar sentiments, Andy added, ‘That they really don’t like us this much and they did it with this whole street — they did it with the street over there.’
The closure of Block 13 casts a pall over what was once a home for many, igniting broader conversations about community support, homelessness, and the greater need for sustainable solutions.
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