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Umatilla outlines PATH transitional housing and readies camping ordinance to address park encampments
Summary
City staff described PATH, the regionally operated transitional-housing program (30 beds, 23 tiny units) and said the council will consider a camping/time-place-manner ordinance next week; staff said the state requires 72 hours' notice before clearing illegal encampments and that PATH and partner rotations are being adjusted to reduce impacts on parks and neighborhoods.
City staff described the regional PATH program and told residents that the council will consider a camping/time-place-manner ordinance intended to give code and police tools to address illegal encampments.
"We operate a facility we call PATH," City Manager Dave Stockdale said, adding that the program is run by Stepping Stones Alliance and includes a 365-day operation with 30 beds and 23 small individual shelter units and navigation services. Stockdale stressed the program’s services — navigation, links to benefits, vocational training partners, and a shuttle — as an alternative to unmanaged encampments.
On enforcement, staff said state rules require that jurisdictions provide at least 72 hours' notice before removing an illegal encampment; the ordinance under consideration would clarify time, place and manner rules for parks and public spaces so police and code enforcement can act when encampments create hazards or interfere with public use. "If we did not have PATH and we had those codes on the book, we would not be allowed to direct them to other places," Stockdale said, arguing that the available shelter and navigation services lower legal risk associated with enforcing camping rules.
Residents raised safety concerns at parks (drug use, trash, people using restrooms as showers) and asked how the city will keep children safe at drop-off and shuttle locations. Staff said PATH and Stepping Stones operate outreach and navigation services, that the advisory committee is reviewing shuttle-rotation timing and partner responsibilities, and that the city added a code-enforcement position in the current budget to help address recurring issues.
What comes next: The council is scheduled to consider a second reading of the camping ordinance next week; staff will continue to coordinate with PATH partners on shuttle timing and outreach to reduce neighborhood impacts.
