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Under an I-5 freeway overpass in Portland, I came across this note claiming rights to the spot and the belongings left there. This personal declaration transforms a mere physical space into a home, challenging the conventional notion of homelessness. In my mind, this individual is not homeless—they are houseless.

This is something I learned in research into living on the streets that I did 20 years ago. Things pushing people onto the streets have changed, as have the circumstances of their lives. But their lives remain complex, as complex as any housed person, and anyone who claims to have a simple solution to the camps in Portland is overlooking deeper issues at play.

The note transcribed

DO NOT CAMP HERE
THIS SPOT IS USED
By SOMEONE WHO
WORKS
DURING THE DAY

THIS
CAMP
SPOT
IS CURRENTLY
USED
STUFF HERE
Belongs to ME
Private Camp Spot

ALL THE Stuff
Here Belongs To ME
CARPETS
Bucket
Tin cans
PLEASE DO
NOT REMOVE

Resources

• Street Roots’ Listing of Resources

• Rose Haven

• Central City Concern

• Multnomah County 211

Questions for you

What are your thoughts on the distinction between 'homeless' and 'houseless'?

How can communities better understand and address the complexities of houselessness?

Photos circa 2019. Copyright Robert Synak 2024.
Developed at Pro Photo Supply
Shot on Leica M3, Summicron 50mm, Ilford HP5 film

#houselessnothomeless #Portland #PortlandOregon #Oregon #homeless #houseless #home #OrPol