A lot of opinion and debate going on, dancing around with terms like panhandling, homelessness, abject poverty etc.  The most promising discussion on this subject is coming out of Portland and the upcoming race for Mayor. Finally, someone - one of the candidates has organized a network to address the specific needs of those living on the street and panhandling. Working with the individual to source a plan for their getting off the street, a multi-faceted plan if necessary. A lofty project but impressive in how much progress has already been made in the assembly of "staff and resources" to address this needed work. No more broad brush debate about homelessness in Portland but a very comprehensive plan to address it by implementing action plans for individual persons. This plan will be a part of the upcoming PDX mayoral debate to be sure. Something to watch and learn from and most certainly a chance to gather some current "hard data".