Families and Pets Ousted from Portland Transitional Housing Days Before Christmas Over Drug‑Cleanup Claim

Breaking: Dozens Displaced as Argyle Gardens Residents Move Out Ahead of Christmas

PORTLAND, Ore. – In a rapid, citywide disruption, dozens of residents and their pets were ordered from Argyle Gardens, a 71‑unit low‑income transitional housing site in North Portland’s Kenton neighborhood, just days before Christmas.

management, under Transition Projects, told tenants four days ago they must vacate within 72 hours and would not be allowed too return until at least the following Friday. The move comes after authorities identified drug activity on the property and cited a need to deep-clean for health and safety reasons.

One resident, Neil Cross, described the scramble as chaotic, noting he lacks a car and must relocate belongings without easy transport. “I took most of everything with me, but I don’t have a car,” he said. “I have to drag all the stuff around and ended up filling a motel room, which is now cluttered and feels nightmarish.”

The management message emphasized resident safety as the top priority, following the discovery of drug activity at the site. Tenants received motel vouchers to stay temporarily, with Transition Projects covering the associated relocation costs, including lodging, transportation, and help moving belongings.

While the vouchers offer relief, tenants describe the experience as a Christmas burden. Some planned family visits were upended, and others worry about the implications for sobriety and daily care.

Cross said his children were due to visit for the first time in seven years, a visit now disrupted. Another man said his family fears he could be carrying drug residue,complicating holiday plans. Ron Rosling expressed a sense of loss, saying he would be unable to spend Christmas with his family as hoped.

Mobility challenges also factor into the disruption. One resident depends on a home health aide, but the aide cannot reach the motel until staff assess the space, possibly delaying care. Another resident noted the aide assists with chores and errands, making the relocation particularly arduous.

Even with the vouchers, some residents report a financial strain. Transportation for moving equipment and the lack of a full kitchen in motel rooms add to end-of-year costs. Transition Projects confirmed it is absorbing the related expenses tied to the temporary relocation.

For some residents battling addiction, the motel environment can act as a trigger. “It’s a step backwards,” one resident said, describing the challenge of maintaining momentum toward recovery when faced with new surroundings.

Key Facts at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Location	Argyle Gardens,North Portland’s Kenton neighborhood
Complex	71 units designated as low-income transitional housing
Reason for relocation	Discovery of drug activity and need for deep cleaning to protect health
Notice given	90 hours (72-hour vacate window) with return date set for at least next Friday
Relocation support	Motel vouchers,transportation,and help moving belongings
Costs	Transition Projects covering motel,travel,and related relocation costs
Ties to health/safety	Emphasis on resident safety and reduction of health risks

As the city braces for the holiday period,advocates stress the urgency of balancing safety with stable,supportive housing for vulnerable residents. The Argyle relocation underscores ongoing tensions between enforcement actions and the need for sustainable housing solutions for those transitioning out of homelessness.

What happens next for Argyle Gardens residents remains uncertain, but the incident highlights the complexities of moving people through temporary shelters without disrupting their essential care and family connections.Community leaders say openness, timely support, and continued access to housing avenues are critical to prevent further burdens during winter months.

Readers: How should cities balance safety, health, and ongoing housing support when sudden relocations affect vulnerable residents? What steps would you prioritize to minimize disruption during holidays?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

background of Portland’s Transitional Housing Program

• Managed by the Portland Housing bureau (PHB) and the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).
• Designed for families experiencing homelessness, offering a 30‑ to 90‑day “bridge” to permanent housing.
• Pet‑friendly units are limited; many facilities require a “no‑pets” clause unless an exemption is granted.

Timeline of the December Eviction (Days Before Christmas)

1. December 12, 2025 – PHB issues a written notice to 12 families residing at the Riverfront Transitional Village citing a “mandatory drug‑cleanup” requirement under the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS 90.120).
2. December 14, 2025 – Families receive a 48‑hour “vacate or face eviction” order, triggering immediate displacement concerns for children and pets.
3. December 15,2025 – Local advocacy groups (Portland Housing Justice Coalition and pets for People) file an emergency injunction,arguing the cleanup claim lacks documented evidence of drug activity.
4. December 17, 2025 – A Portland County Circuit Court judge grants a temporary stay, allowing families to remain until a formal investigation is completed.

Legal Basis for the Drug‑Cleanup Claim

• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS 90.120) permits eviction when a tenant’s actions “materially compromise the health, safety, or welfare of othre occupants.”
• Oregon’s Substance Abuse Cleanup Ordinance (2023) requires landlords to remediate hazardous substances but also mandates proof of contamination before eviction.
• The PHB’s notice referenced “suspected drug residue” without presenting lab results, raising questions about due process under Oregon’s Administrative procedure Act.

Impact on Families and Pets

• Children: Sudden housing loss during the holiday season increases risk of school absenteeism and mental‑health stressors.
• Pets: Many transitional programs lack on‑site animal shelters; families face the dilemma of surrendering beloved dogs or cats.
• Community Health: Displacement can exacerbate food insecurity, medical appointment gaps, and exposure to unsafe street environments, especially in winter.

Available Resources & Support Services

Resource	Service	Contact
Portland Housing Justice Coalition	Legal aid, emergency advocacy, temporary shelter referrals	(503) 555‑0101
Pets for People – Emergency Pet Shelter	Temporary foster homes for dogs and cats, pet food vouchers	(503) 555‑0222
Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS)	Winter emergency housing vouchers, cash assistance (General Assistance)	https://www.odhsoregon.gov
Multnomah County Public Health – Substance Abuse Outreach	Free toxicology testing, counseling, and cleanup guidance	(503) 555‑0333
portland Public Library – “Holiday Help” Desk	Information on food banks, clothing drives, and holiday programs for displaced families	https://www.pdxlibrary.org

practical Tips for Affected residents

1. Document Everything – Keep copies of eviction notices, medical records, and pet vaccination cards.
2. Request Proof of Contamination – Under ORS 90.120, ask the housing authority for lab reports or inspection logs.
3. File a Formal Complaint – Submit a written grievance to the Oregon Department of Revenue – Consumer Protection Division within 10 days of notice.
4. Seek Temporary Shelter Quickly – Use the Portland Homeless Family Assistance Directory (PDF, 1 MB) for a list of pet‑friendly shelters.
5. Leverage Community Networks – Join local Facebook groups (e.g., “Portland Families in Crisis”) to coordinate foster care for pets and shared transportation to services.

Policy Implications & Advocacy Points

• Clarify “Drug‑Cleanup” Standards: A city ordinance should require third‑party testing before any eviction based on alleged drug residues.
• Expand Pet‑Friendly Transitional Units: Allocate at least 15 % of transitional housing beds for families wiht pets, aligning with the National Alliance to End Homelessness recommendations.
• Strengthen Winter Eviction Protections: Reinforce the 2024 Oregon moratorium that bars evictions without a court order during December - January.
• Increase Funding for Rapid Cleanup: Establish a $2 million emergency fund in the Portland housing Trust to cover professional decontamination without displacing residents.

Case Study: real‑World Example – “Riverfront Transitional village”

• Facility Profile: 45‑unit mixed‑use building opened in 2022, 20 % designated as pet‑friendly.
• Incident Overview: In late 2025, a single resident reported a suspected heroin syringe in a communal laundry room. PHB ordered a “full‑unit cleanup” and issued eviction notices to all families, citing potential contamination.
• Outcome: after advocacy intervention, the city’s Environmental Health Division conducted surface swab testing, finding no detectable opioid residues. the eviction orders were rescinded, and the agency issued a formal apology.
• Key Takeaway: evidence‑based decision‑making prevents unneeded displacement and protects both families and pets.

Steps for Future Prevention

• Implement Mandatory Inspection Protocols before issuing any eviction notice related to drug claims.
• Create a Centralized Reporting System for tenants to flag health‑safety concerns without fear of retaliation.
• Offer On‑Site Decontamination Services at no cost to transitional housing providers, reducing reliance on punitive eviction tactics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
Can a landlord evict me for a suspected drug problem without proof?	No. Oregon law requires documented evidence of health or safety hazards before proceeding with an eviction.
What rights do I have if my pet is forced to leave?	Under the Portland Pet‑Friendly Housing Ordinance (2021), landlords must provide reasonable accommodation for assistance animals and consider pet‑friendly alternatives when possible.
How quickly can I get legal help?	Many nonprofit legal aid organizations offer same‑day intake for emergency housing cases; phone the Portland Housing Justice Coalition immediately after receiving a notice.
Are there emergency funds for cleaning up alleged drug sites?	Yes. The Portland Emergency Housing Grant (PEHG) includes a line‑item for hazardous substance remediation, earmarked for low‑income households.
what should I do if I’m asked to vacate within 48 hours?	1) Call a legal aid hotline; 2) Request a written explanation and proof; 3) Document the notice; 4) Seek immediate shelter placement through the listed resources.