When I was asked to write about my decision to join ACT Now Lane, my first instinct was to take a neutral approach—to explain my choice in a way that felt safe and palatable. But that would have been a dodge. And to me it matters that I be open and honest.
Homelessness is a topic that stirs deep emotions—anger, sadness, frustration, and even exhaustion. It’s a problem that feels ever-present and insurmountable, and yet, it’s one we cannot afford to ignore. I don’t have the answers, but I believe that open, truthful conversation about this issue is essential. We need to acknowledge the complexities of homelessness and confront our own complicated feelings about it.
I am angry, disappointed, and heartbroken that we continue to grapple with this problem. It’s devastating to see its impacts on individuals and our community as a whole. It’s equally hard to comprehend that people in our own city and county are living in such dire conditions. And I believe I’m not alone in feeling this way.
At the same time, I understand that for many, the well of empathy has run dry. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even desensitized when faced with the daily realities of homelessness. But demonizing those who feel this way only deepens the divide. It invalidates their experiences and makes it harder to bridge the gap between compassion and action.
The truth is, seeing people in the throes of active drug use, a mental health crisis, or panhandling is more than just unpleasant—it can be unsettling. It can make you feel unsure, unsafe, and uncomfortable in your own community. And those feelings matter. They’re valid. Ignoring them doesn’t help us move forward.
At the same time, the struggles of those who are unhoused also matter deeply. Living on the streets or in a tent must be unimaginably difficult, even on the best days. In Eugene, we face extreme cold, scorching heat, and relentless rain, it’s not just hard—it’s dangerous. Add to that the lack of access to basic necessities like food, toilets, and showers, and the challenges become almost insurmountable. These difficulties deserve our attention and care because they matter.
It all matters. Every piece of this complicated puzzle matters. And the most painfully honest truth is this: we cannot solve this issue if we ignore the unpleasant realities or simply hope it goes away. This is why I chose to be part of ACT Now Lane.
Eugene is not unique in facing this crisis. While we may feel like ground zero for homelessness, our struggles mirror those of countless other communities. The only way to a better future is to confront this issue with honesty and to work together, guided by the values of our community.
The reality is that any programs or policies we implement must lead to visible, measurable improvement. We need solutions that not only provide support for those who are unhoused but also restore a sense of hope and progress for the entire community. This means holding ourselves accountable to outcomes, not just intentions.
Homelessness is not someone else’s problem—it’s ours. It’s here, in our streets, in our parks, and in the lives of people who are part of this community. We can’t wish it away, and we can’t solve it by turning a blind eye. The only way forward is together – one that reflects the best of who we are as a community because that matters too.
I chose to work with ACT Now Lane because I believe our best path forward is to come together as a community. Not because I’m naïve or overly optimistic, but because this is a complex challenge that took years to develop. No single person, group, or agency can solve it alone.
Real progress requires collaboration — neighbors, business owners, social service providers, law enforcement, city and county leaders, and our elected officials all working together. When we bring that depth of experience, diverse perspectives, and willingness to think differently to the same table, we give ourselves the best chance to find meaningful, lasting solutions.
That is why I joined A.C.T. Now Lane.
