Federal officials have initiated a large-scale eviction of a homeless encampment in the Deschutes National Forest near Bend, Oregon, described as the largest in recent history. Over 100 individuals residing in derelict RVs and cars were given notice to vacate, with the threat of fines, misdemeanors, and potential jail time looming for those who remain. Many of the displaced are struggling to find alternative shelter as local facilities are at capacity, and some plan to move to another nearby encampment facing its own closure. The eviction is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Forest Service to mitigate fire risks by clearing forest areas, despite the severe housing crisis exacerbating homelessness in Bend. The situation highlights systemic failures in addressing homelessness, with ongoing displacement and limited resources for affected individuals, many of whom face compounded personal challenges and barriers to stable living conditions.

Federal officials, backed by law enforcement, began clearing the Deschutes National Forest in Oregon, where over 100 homeless individuals live in RVs and cars, marking a significant eviction effort. Residents were given a deadline to vacate, with fliers warning of fines and legal consequences for non-compliance.

The eviction follows a Supreme Court decision allowing cities to ban outdoor sleeping without providing shelter, further complicating the situation for homeless individuals like Richard Owens, who faced challenges due to past incarceration and was struggling to repair his vehicle to leave the forest.

Bend, Oregon, facing a severe housing affordability crisis, has seen a rise in homelessness, with the city offering limited shelter options and designated parking lots for people living in vehicles. However, these measures are insufficient for the growing number of homeless residents.

Many residents of the forest encampment are moving to another location called Dirt World, which is also expected to be shut down, leading to continuous displacement. Local advocacy and legal efforts to halt the eviction have been unsuccessful, leaving service providers overwhelmed and unable to accommodate everyone.

The U.S. Forest Service's closure of the forest area is driven by fire mitigation efforts, with plans for logging and prescribed burns. Meanwhile, individuals like Mandy Bryant and Patrick Walston face harsh living conditions and personal struggles, relying on limited government assistance and odd jobs for survival.