Photojournalism - Images by Jess Hume

A Place to Sleep - Grants Pass, Oregon

A Place to Sleep, a written series and podcast produced by the staff of the Albany Democrat-Herald, explores how Oregon cities are responding to HB3115, a new law that is meant to provide homeless individuals a place to rest.

Ryan Burrows, 33 attempts to cook a frozen pizza using an old popcorn tin, though cooking with any kind of open flame is illegal in the city parks. Burrows was born and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon and often will see people he grew up and went to school with who ignore him.

At Riverside Park, several of the tents light up at night, similar to the lights in the windows of the apartments in the background. At Riverside Park, several of the tents light up at night, similar to the lights in the windows of the apartments in the background.

TJ Wood explains that much of the scarring on his body were from injuries sustained from a traumatic car accident at the age of 21. Wood explained that he was hit by a car and "all of my organs were damaged, except my heart and brain. The doctors couldn't believe it."

Kevin Gevas

Kevin Gevas sits in his tent with his face illuminated by a tablet and a variety of battery-powered lights. Using a tablet or phone provided by one of the assistance programs is often the only way to apply for jobs, access information and contact relatives.

Glenn Miller displays an injury, a broken arm with internal tissue and bone protruding from this wrist. Miller sustained this injury during an altercation with an aggressive community member who was shouting disparaging comments at him while passing the park. Many homeless residents said this is a common occurrence. Glenn Miller displays an injury, a broken arm with internal tissue and bone protruding from this wrist. Miller sustained this injury during an altercation with an aggressive community member who was shouting disparaging comments at him while passing the park. Many homeless residents said this is a common occurrence.

Individuals are only allowed to camp in specific places withing the parks, the area within Riverside Park where camping is allowed is located right off Redwood Highway, one of the main roads in Grants Pass, Oregon. Individuals are only allowed to camp in specific places withing the parks, the area within Riverside Park where camping is allowed is located right off Redwood Highway, one of the main roads in Grants Pass, Oregon.