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Too often lately, when the subject of homelessness is broached, it’s only the low-hanging fruit talking points that grab attention.

We know all too well about the legal battle being waged over the outdoor camping ordinances in Grants Pass, a case that awaits a potentially precedent-setting decision next month by the U.S. Supreme Court even as it sparks heated and extreme positions to be taken at home.

We also are far too familiar with the war of words across social media, particularly coming from those offering knee-jerk reactions to isolated incidents or casting an umbrella of stereotypes over the diverse classifications of those without temporary or permanent shelter.

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Such persistent harangues can wear down even the most compassionate observers among us — which is perhaps why recent positive developments in Medford and Ashland can be taken as reasons for at least some cautious optimism.

Such persistent harangues can wear down even the most compassionate observers among us — which is perhaps why recent positive developments in Medford and Ashland can be taken as reasons for at least some cautious optimism.

In Medford, a three-year joint effort by the city, law enforcement and community agencies has drastically reduced the number of campsites — from a high of 257 in 2021 to just 17 recorded this March.

It’s not simply a matter of removing campers from their sites; it’s routing them to the several options that have sprung up across the city.

“It has taken so many people, and so may partners, to make this work,” said Sam Engel, executive director of Rogue Retreat, which houses about 415 people a night. “Everyone is pulling together to do their part.”

Medford police Sgt. Jason Antley, who heads the department’s Livability Team, says that simply removing campsites alone won’t solve the issues, which is why the assistance of service providers and nonprofit organizations is critical to the effort’s sustained success.

“We’re not trying to outlaw homelessness,” he said, “but we need to hold them accountable for unlawful behavior, and we need to offer them a place to go.”

Financial considerations came into play in Medford’s ongoing actions — as city, state and federal funding has accounted for $30 million spent over the past five years.

In Ashland, city and civic initiatives are also a high priority, as work continues toward an anticipated June release of the community’s Homelessness Services Masterplan.

In discussions before the City Council last month, Interim City Manager Sabrina Cotta and Emergency Management Coordinator Kelly Burns said that the multiple fronts on which Ashland is working to alleviate issues have led to a push for the establishment of a Homelessness Services Coordinator position.

“We are at a point where we cannot absorb it anymore, so there is going to be more expense regarding homeless services going forward,” Cotta told the council.

A coordinator position would not only reduce the current hours spent on homelessness issues by city staff and law enforcement, but would streamline interagency communication efforts.

Council members acknowledged the need to relieve some of the pressure placed upon staff members in what has been a growing situation, but cautioned that the city’s financial state needed to be kept in mind before acting.

“We don’t just (provide services) because it needs doing,” council member Paula Hyatt said. “We want to do it right and we want to do it well.”

And that, of course, is the bottom line.

Finding funding sources, personnel and outside partners will continue to be a challenge for cities as they seek solutions to what often seems an insurmountable challenge.

But, while Ashland works on its masterplan and Medford redirects homeless individuals toward transitional options, we’re reminded that this remains an issue that shouldn’t be defined — or discussed — only through those pieces that are easiest to pick.