In five years of editing Headway, homelessness is the issue we’ve come back to more than any other. And there’s one place in particular that we’ve been eager to take a look at: Dignity Village, in Portland, Ore., a self-governed community of people formerly without housing. As cities across the country have cracked down on encampments, Dignity Village stands out as an intriguing answer to the question, What if we gave people without housing available land where they could make a place permanently?

Nestled on a plot of land in Portland, the village operates under its own set of rules and governance structure, offering residents a stable environment to rebuild their lives. The community emphasizes mutual support and shared responsibility, providing a stark contrast to the transient nature of typical street encampments. Residents manage daily operations, from maintenance to security, fostering a sense of ownership and agency.

Critics and city officials have closely monitored the experiment, questioning its long-term viability and scalability. However, supporters argue that Dignity Village proves that housing-first models can work when given the proper resources and autonomy. The village continues to serve as a model for alternative homelessness solutions nationwide.