Michelle Hester Reporting from DirtWorld, Bend

September 19, 2026

Editor's Note :

Following is a report from a community member living unsheltered in the TSSA.  COHA is unable to independently verify some of her comments but respects her right to express her thoughts and concerns.

Michelle Hester Reporting from DirtWorld, Bend

I was walking around most of the day and looking around. It is very sad to see a lot of empty

camp sites. Watching someone lose everything they owned and getting kicked out is very hard to watch.

A new rule just came out of nowhere – If you are gone more than 7 days without prior notice the city comes in and takes everything from you – your home, your clothes, blankets and your food. They leave you nothing and nowhere to go to.

Even if you get a notice from the City code enforcer they still take your stuff but you have 30

days to get your belongings back. It’s supposed to be locked up and in a safe place – well, that’s not true. It’s not safe at all. Nothing gets locked up any more and your stuff gets stolen,

vandalized, or crushed.

Between the rules posted out here or the ones not posted out here, only certain people get in

trouble and others don’t. Rules are meant for everyone out here. Dogs are still running loose and chase people. Trespassers are still running around. If you are a victim or call the police you get kicked out. People are stealing from others out here. People are getting threatened to be hurt.

But what can we do – it is what it is.

The town people should open their eyes to see what we are going through.

It is not easy living or trying to survive out here. Winter is coming and we all need to get ready

for it. Some of us can’t drive or have no car to drive.’

What we need before the snow hits us are:

1. Heaters

2. Blankets

3. Socks

4. Warm jackets

5. Boots

6. Propane

7. Food

But at the end of the day I’m very grateful for the help I do get from others.