Eugene is a magnet for a certain homeless segment (travelers).   We aren't *the* magnet because some other cities have that issue, but we're  a magnet for that homeless segment.   That is solid information and just part of the bigger picture.         
Pete Kerns (our retiring Police Chief) spoke last week at a neighborhood meeting and I'm aware of what he mentioned. He would confirm what I wrote above. He'd also confirm that we're a magnet  because Eugene has always been considered a friendly town. Word spreads. Friendly, as some Eugene residents, for years, have handed out money, food, and kind words for the travelers.  Friendly, as we grew more and more services that provided shelter, food, etc., that the travelers were also welcome to...fast forward to 'crisis'.   
It's difficult for me to write that some good-hearted people of Eugene unwittingly contributed to making things worse for the rest of the community (residents and business owners), but they did.