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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Update: Wildfire along Highway 227 lined, in mop-up phase ... Medford lodging hits a record ... Defense says baby in Medford assault case may have brittle bones ... Update: Wildfire along Highway 227 lined, in mop-up phase ... Medford lodging hits a record ... Defense says baby in Medford assault case may have brittle bones ... PORTLAND City ends pilot 'safe sleeping' policy immediately Comment By GILLIAN FLACCUS Associated Press MailTribune.com By GILLIAN FLACCUS Associated Press Posted Aug. 2, 2016 at 6:13 PM By GILLIAN FLACCUS Associated Press Posted Aug. 2, 2016 at 6:13 PM » Social News PORTLAND — Portland Mayor Charlie Hales on Tuesday announced the end of pilot program that allowed homeless people to sleep on the streets undisturbed by law enforcement, saying it created confusion because some believed it legalized public camping. The so-called "Safe Sleeping Guidelines" policy will end immediately, but several other pilot programs that were also rolled out in February in the famously liberal City of Roses will continue or even expand, his office said in an emailed statement. "People believed that camping was made legal, and outreach workers and law enforcement struggled to educate people about the difference between a safe night's sleep and unsanctioned camping," the statement read, adding that police and residents felt the policy was "not practicable." Hales has walked a fine line in trying to address a growing problem with homelessness in the Pacific Northwest city while appeasing homeowners and businesses. His struggles mirror those in other West Coast cities, such as Seattle and San Francisco, where politicians have struggled to address a tide of homelessness. When Hales announced the safe sleeping pilot program in February, it was immediately controversial. Neighborhood and business groups, including the Portland Business Alliance, sued. The Willamette Week, the city's alternative weekly, sent a team of reporters to test the policy by pitching tents on the sidewalk in front of Hales' home and the homes of other city elected officials. The policy was supposed to be a temporary measure while the city found ways to get people into housing. Proposals included sanctioned encampments, RV parks and allowing people to pitch tents at night in a city parking lot. By GILLIAN FLACCUS Associated Press MailTribune.com By GILLIAN FLACCUS Associated Press Posted Aug. 2, 2016 at 6:13 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501