Homeless people often lug their belongings with them everywhere they go – which can make them vulnerable to theft. But now the City of Eugene and St. Vincent de Paul are offering them a place to stash their personal items. KLCC’s Brian Bull explains.
It’s a pilot program that’ll run through September. Homeless families and individuals can store their things free of charge in a large portable container, that’s currently in a lot between the Downtown Eugene Public Library and The Kiva Grocery.
Roxann O’Brien of St. Vincent de Paul informs one homeless man about the service.
“Seven days a week, 9:30-4:30, ‘til the end of September,” she tells him.
"Okay, for people like us, that’s pretty good,” he replies, eyeing the open storage space.
O’Brien says this service is geared largely towards downtown homeless.
“Mainly those without a local address that are having to carry their stuff on their back around when they’re trying to get to appointments," says O'Brien.
"And it’s right by the bus station, right by the library, I think it’s the perfect location.”
No firearms or illegal drugs will be allowed in storage.
The City of Eugene says this service will keep the walkways and public spaces more safe and welcoming.
Copyright 2018, KLCC.
