PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Dozens of people and their pets in North Portland’s Kenton neighborhood were forced to leave their homes just before Christmas.
71 units in the Argyle apartment complex are designated as low-income transitional housing. Many say the space is their first step out of homelessness. Four days ago, tenants received a letter from the building’s owner, Transition Projects, telling people they needed to leave within 72 hours and wouldn’t be able to return until at least next Friday.
Copy of letter to residents of Argyll. (Coyne)
“I carry most of my stuff with me, but I don’t have a car,” said resident Neil Cross. Now, I have to drag everything around. So, I filled my motel room with it. It’s very chaotic and nightmarish,” resident Neil Cross said.
The letter stated that after drug activity was discovered on the property, they needed to deep clean the building to protect everyone’s health.
“The safety of Argyle Gardens residents is our top priority,” said Clifton Roberts, senior communications manager for transition projects.
Guests said they were given vouchers to stay at the motel, but said the ordeal was not only a burden but ruined their Christmas.
“My kids are supposed to come see me for the first time in seven years,” Cross said.
A man’s family are concerned he has been contaminated by drug residue found and have asked him not to spend the holidays with them.
“I’m lost, very lost. I was supposed to spend Christmas with my family and now I can’t,” resident Ron Rosling said.
Another resident said he relies on a home health aide due to limited mobility. But the people responsible for his care can’t go to the motel until the company evaluates the space, which could take some time.
“She did everything, helped me with laundry, cleaning, cooking, shopping, everything,” said Michael Jemming.
Despite the vouchers, many residents said there is a financial burden. Some people without cars have had to rent vans to move their belongings, and without kitchens in their motel rooms, the cost of prepared food will be added to their year-end bills.
Transition programs cover costs associated with temporary relocation, including support for motels, transportation and moving items,” Roberts said.
Others struggling with addiction say staying in motels is a trigger because they worry staying there will harm their sobriety.
“It’s a step backwards. You get out on the street, you get out on the yard, you get momentum, and then all of a sudden you go to a place where there’s more of a trigger than the NRA. So, you know, it’s not really conducive to staying on the right path,” Cross said.
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