Ore. homeless camp faces closure as fines mount

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A group of at least 50 Portland homeless people plans a march on City Hall to support an encampment that they call home.

The city calls it something else, a recreational campground that needs fixes for it to come up to code.

The city levied a $641 fine in January, and plans another one on Wednesday. The fines will continue until the encampment changes its status or disbands.

The encampment, named “Right 2 Dream Too,” sprung up in mid-October, just days after the Occupy Portland protest put down roots across town.

It has about 30 tents housing nearly 50 people in neat rows in a downtown lot.

Lot owner Michael Wright says the encampment gives homeless people a chance to find work or go back to school.