Imagine being caught in a relentless storm with nowhere to go, the rising waters inching closer with every passing minute. This is the stark reality for homeless individuals camped in the Sandy River Delta, a 1,500-acre natural area where the Sandy River meets the Columbia. But here's where it gets even more alarming: this region is notorious for its annual flooding, especially during the winter months, yet it remains a refuge for those with no other options. And this is the part most people miss—the human stories behind the statistics.
PORTLAND, Ore. — The recent onslaught of atmospheric rivers has triggered flood warnings across northwest Oregon, including the Sandy River Delta. While the area has no permanent residents, it’s a temporary home for many homeless individuals who camp along its trails. These makeshift shelters offer little protection against the severe weather, leaving campers dangerously exposed to flooding and other hazards. Controversially, some argue that these camps are a symptom of broader systemic failures, but others see them as a necessary, if temporary, solution to a growing crisis.
Jerry, who has been camping in the delta for six years, shared his experience with KGW earlier this week. Huddled around a makeshift fire under the Interstate 84 overpass, he described the harsh conditions as nothing new but admitted the recent rains have been particularly brutal. 'This is basically swamp land, flood land,' he explained. 'It floods out here every year, and it gets pretty bad.' Pointing to a nearby camp, he recounted how floodwaters had risen chest-high, sweeping away belongings and forcing dogs to seek refuge on top of a soaked mattress. 'All the stuff was floating down the river,' he said. 'It’s a hard way to live.'
The Oregon Department of State Lands has been actively working to dismantle these camps, sending crews multiple times a week to post notices and remove new encampments. Despite these efforts, several makeshift memorials remain, serving as somber reminders of lives lost in the woods. A spokesperson for the department stated that teams will assess flood impacts once the waters recede and it’s safe to do so. However, the state maintains that those camping in the delta do so at their own risk—a statement that feels coldly detached from the reality faced by individuals like Jerry, who have nowhere else to go.
'We’re like a family out here,' Jerry said. 'We stick together, try to make it one way or another.' Yet, the question remains: Is it fair to leave these individuals to fend for themselves in such perilous conditions? The Department of State Lands advises anyone with life safety concerns to contact the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. KGW has reached out to both the sheriff’s office and the county’s homelessness team for comment on their efforts to monitor flood impacts and will update this story with any responses.
As we reflect on this situation, it’s impossible not to ask: What more can—or should—be done to protect those who are most vulnerable? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Are temporary camps a necessary evil, or is there a better way to address homelessness in the face of environmental risks?
