It was just last month that ODOT decided to install a series of gigantic boulders in order to stop homeless encampments in various areas of Portland. If you will excuse the pun, the ODOT were quite literally caught between a rock and a hard place, with legislation forcing them to legally stop homeless encampments on this land.

However, in a game of never ending cat and mouse, one homeless man has already begun to use the cities own tactics against them. Not only this, but he has arguably built a more sound structure that would be less affected by rain and damp due to its elevated base.

At first glance, it may just look like someone has placed a tarp over the boulders and is living in relative squalor. It is only when the picture is zoomed in, we can truly see what has taken place.

When you look more closely you can see that the homeless occupant has managed to get hold of some pallets and old fencing and used this as a base for their home. The said pallets are propped up on all sides by both the boulders and pieces of scrap metal to reinforce the structure.

Not only has the person used the states boulders against them, but this is likely a lot more dry than sleeping on the ground in a tent. Even if there is heavy rainfall, the tent is a good 0.5 meters off the ground so will not be affected by flooding.

Once again, this has divided the local residents of Portland. On the one hand, some people are impressed with the quick thinking and ability to set up another encampment, despite the best efforts of the city to fend off tents.

On the other hand, people who live in the area are extremely angry that this policy has once again failed them with one homeowner describing the situation as “homeless wack-a-mole”. It seems that whatever the state or the city do, it is not enough.

Perhaps the root cause of the homelessness issue needs to be looked at more deeply and not just visible efforts to pacify communities for a few weeks until encampments return.