2022 WCSO Annual Report - Report - Page 14
HOPE Deputy Schreiber engages with camp residents to ensure their
safety and provide necessary resources when needed.
PA R T N E R S H I P
SUPPORTS PROTECTING
COUNTY HEALTH & SAFETY
Due to many complex factors,
including the COVID-19
pandemic, our community has
experienced a significant increase
in unsanctioned camping on
public property. In response
to this increase, the Board of
County Commissioners approved
an encampment management
program to support the health and
safety needs of both housed and
unhoused community members.
As we continue to address this
crisis, Washington County works
closely with city and community
partners to address the urgent
needs of individuals experiencing
homelessness.
The Encampment Management
Program (EMP) and the Sheriff’s
Office Houseless Outreach
Programs and Engagement (HOPE)
connect the unhoused community
with available resources, conduct
health and safety risk assessments,
and engage with all community
12 | 2022 WCSO Annual Report
members to improve the livability
of Washington County. This
cross-departmental partnership
leverages the expertise of the
Department of Health and
Human Services, Housing Services
Department, County Counsel,
County Administrative Office, and
Sheriff’s Office to offer this critical
service.
Under the County’s organizational
framework, the EMP provides a
coordinated, focused response to
the needs of individuals who are
living temporarily in encampments
on publicly-owned property
and community members being
impacted by encampments, using
the following strategies:
• Managing the overall
operational response, including
strategic communication
between participating allied
agencies and the public.
• Coordination with outreach
providers to connect campers
with supportive services and
housing navigation assistance
funded by the regional
Supportive Housing Services
measure.
• Routine assessments of
health and safety risks at each
location determine whether an
encampment may temporarily
remain in place or require
temporary closure and clean-up.
• Emergency sanitation support
includes placing portable toilets,
handwashing stations, and
regular garbage collection.
• A dedicated Sheriff’s Office
outreach deputy who works
directly with neighbors and
camp occupants to problemsolve issues, addresses public
safety concerns, and provides
coordination with other law
enforcement agency partners
and service providers.
