This City Has a Huge Homelessness Problem. Here’s Why

The alleys of Portland, Oregon, are strewn with piles of garbage and used drug needles, reflecting a growing problem of homelessness, drug addiction, and mental illness.

It's a problem that local officials aren't properly addressing. So how'd things get this bad?

In short, neglect — and it's been going on for some time.

Experts believe that in order to better serve these individuals, we must remove the stigma surrounding mental health treatment and replace it with understanding. That may be the only hope for these individuals to regain safe, productive lives.