Hazelnut Grove resident Jose Serrica
Dave Miller / OPB
Jose Serrica says until he's been living without a house since 2011, after he was foreclosed on. Until he came to Hazelnut Grove he says he'd been keeping the vigil outside Portland City Hall, as part of the Occupy Portland movement. He and the other people who camp here have to agree to a code of conduct, which includes no stealing and no drug use.
Tensions have mounted among campers, however, as more have been attracted to the area, leading to the establishment of a neighboring camp, called Forgotten Realms. The city of Portland is in the process of permitting Hazelnut Grove — at least on a temporary basis. Overlook Neighborhood Association has expressed strong opposition to any camping in this area.
Dave Miller visited the encampments recently, and we introduce you to some of the people he met — and talk with a member of the Overlook Neighborhood Association Board.
A temporary homeless encampment known as Hazelnut Grove has popped up in Overlook Park in North Portland's Overlook neighborhood.
Dave Miller / OPB
Hazelnut Grove resident Jose Serrica
Dave Miller / OPB
Dave Miller / OPB
Bob Brimmer prepares a salmon dinner for Hazelnut Grove residents.
Dave Miller / OPB
Dave Miller / OPB
Dave Miller / OPB
Dave Miller / OPB
Dave Miller / OPB
GUESTS:
- Joe Bennie: Resident of Hazelnut Grove (recorded)
- Bob Brimmer: Resident of Hazelnut Grove (recorded)
- Michael Gabriel "Dash" Justice: Resident of Hazelnut Grove (recorded)
- Raven Justice: Resident of Hazelnut Grove (recorded)
- Jose Serrica: Resident of Hazelnut Grove (recorded)
- Wesley Courverler: Resident of Forgotten Realms (recorded)
- Chris Trejbal: Overlook Neighborhood Association board member