Portland’s Ombudsman’s office released survey findings on Wednesday, Oct. 28, about the city’s alternative shelter sites, known as Safe Rest Villages, KOIN reported. More than 200 current and former guests took part in the survey in April, according to the station.
The responses included positive accounts: some guests said staff treated them respectfully and they felt safe. But the Ombudsman’s office also logged 218 complaints, KOIN reported: 97 concerning staff, 66 involuntary exits, 24 grievance handling, 20 facilities and 11 food and drinks. More than half of respondents disagreed that problems raised with staff were handled well and followed up, the station said.
KOIN reported that the Ombudsman’s report identified fair treatment and guest safety as areas for greater attention from the city and shelter operators. A city spokesperson told the station that Portland would work to incorporate the survey feedback into its ongoing improvement efforts; the supplied findings do not specify a timeline or particular changes.
