Report from Dirt World

by Michelle Hester

Hi Everyone,

My name is Michelle Hester, and I live in Dirt World, Bend, Oregon.  I will be turning 57 in a few months.  I have been out here for about five years.  It’s been very rough out here.  Since the City and County have been involved it isn’t right that they have been destroying people’s lives and taking our belongings from us.  We are told what we can keep and throw the rest of our stuff away.

*The port-a-potties never get cleaned or toilet paper left like the contractor gets paid to do. Unfortunately we get the blame for stuff we didn’t do.  

I have met some amazing people out here.  I got to help paint a mural downtown in the parking garage.  I am on the board of Central Oregon Homelessness Alliance.  I am trying to make a difference and help.

It’s a real struggle out here.  But we are surviving.  And we keep replacing stuff when someone goes into your camp and steals everything.

*NOTE:  Based on the concerns raised by Michelle about the condition of the portable toilets, a county employee with oversight of the portable toilet contractor was contacted.  Accompanied by the county official, Board members Ginny McKee and Michelle toured the portable toilets, where their condition was observed and corrective action is being taken to address concerns raised by Michelle.