Right 2 Dream Too
Right 2 Dream Too (R2D2) is a self-managed homeless encampment located in North Portland, Oregon. The encampment was established in October 2011 and has since become a significant feature in the city's landscape.
History and Mission
Right 2 Dream Too was founded by a group of unhoused individuals led by [Right 2 Survive], an organization that aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for Portland's most vulnerable populations. Although the City of Portland initially granted permission to the camp from the private property owner, they were unable to secure authorization due to concerns from the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, who argued that the camp's presence next to the Chinatown gate was inappropriate. As a result, the city's Bureau of Development Services issued fines to the encampment for unauthorized constructions on the site.
Despite facing opposition from the community and city officials, R2D2 has continued to operate as an open-to-the-public encampment, serving up to 60 people daily. Their mission is to provide emergency shelter for homeless individuals, who would otherwise be forced to sleep on the streets or in the cold, amidst heavy winter snowfall. The camp offers a safe and affordable alternative for those in need, offering access to basic amenities such as food, clothing, and health care.
Operations and Structure
Right 2 Dream Too is a self-managed encampment, meaning that residents are responsible for their own living accommodations and must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the camp's leadership. All residents must pass an approval process and be eligible for membership, which allows them access to full-time lodging and amenities. Non-member guests are welcome to visit the encampment but are restricted to sleeping on the floor and are only allowed access for a limited 12-hour period.
The camp is staffed by 24-hour security desk, which is staffed by camp residents. Monetary contributions are not required, but are greatly appreciated and used to offset the operational costs of the encampment.捐助资金也支持社区支持、紧急避难所食物银行，以及为无家可归者提供的其他服务。
Community and Support
Right 2 Dream Too relies heavily on the support of the local community, volunteers, and捐ators, as well as partnerships with other organizations. The camp has been supported by thousands of community members, who have donated time, money, or resources to ensure that those in need have access to a warm and safe place to rest.
Financial Struggles
Despite the support from the community, Right 2 Dream Too has faced financial struggles, particularly due to the inability to secure consistent funding. In the past, thecamp has relied on a variety of sources, including grants, donations, fundraisers, and occasionally city and community funds, to maintain operations. In 2019, the camp planned to organize fundraising events in an effort to raise additional funds for operations. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges, making it difficult for theencampment to generate the same revenue streams as in the past.
Future Prospects
Looking to the future, Right 2 Dream Too faces several potential challenges and opportunities. With the city's growing homeless population and the ongoing debate over the best practices for addressing homelessness, the need for alternative solutions remains urgent. If successful, Right 2 Dream Too could serve as a model for other municipalities, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions that prioritize community need.
##Right 2 Dream Too represents a unique and evolving model for addressing homelessness in Portland, Oregon. Through the efforts of dedicated individuals and organizations, the camp provides a critical safety net for some of the city's most marginalized residents. While financial challenges persist, the commitment of the community suggests that Right 2 Dream Too will continue to persevere, serving as a beacon of hope and solidarity in the face of adversity.
This article is a comprehensive overview of Right 2 Dream Too, a self-managed homeless encampment in North Portland, Oregon. It includes information on the history and mission of the camp, its operations, community support, and financial struggles. The article also discusses potential future prospects ands regarding the significance of Right 2 Dream Too in the context of contemporary homelessness solutions.