In the heart of Eugene, Oregon, the struggle of homelessness is starkly highlighted through the story of Bobbie Stevens. At 50 years old, Stevens found herself living on the streets after a series of life-altering events, including the loss of her leg due to a prolonged infection. Now, she faces another challenge: the loss of her mobility scooter, which was seized by the city during a cleanup of homeless encampments.
Stevens, born in California and raised in Tennessee, moved to Eugene with her husband and family. However, tragedy struck when her husband was sent to prison and later died behind bars, leaving her stranded without support. Her life took a turn for the worse as she battled addiction and eventually lost her leg after enduring an open wound for seven years.
Living on the streets for over a decade, Stevens has become all too familiar with the hardships of homelessness. Her mobility scooter, a crucial tool for navigating her daily life, has been stolen multiple times. Despite these setbacks, Stevens remains hopeful, driven by her desire to be a role model for her 5-year-old granddaughter.
Stevens recently began living with her friend, Thomas Zoll, and has been receiving treatment at a methadone clinic. She is over three weeks sober for the first time in 30 years, a significant milestone in her journey towards recovery. "We just need someone to believe in us sometimes," she said, reflecting on her experiences.
The loss of her mobility scooter, however, has been a devastating blow. During cleanups of homeless encampments on Oregon Department of Transportation and Eugene Parks and Open Space properties, individuals' belongings are often seized. Stevens' scooter was taken by Eugene Parks and Open Space, and despite efforts to retrieve it, it remains missing.
The process of reclaiming personal property is fraught with confusion and challenges. Stevens and Zoll have tried to retrieve her scooter from the Eugene Parks and Open Spaces storage facility, but it has been unsuccessful. "We have to walk, or find someone who is willing to give us a ride," Stevens explained, highlighting the difficulties faced by those living on the streets.
The situation is not unique to Stevens. The Eugene Parks and Open Space department preserves, enhances, and monitors over 5,000 acres of parks, trailheads, and gardens across Lane County. During the fiscal year 2025, the department received 4,050 reports, with 1,353 complaints reported as illegal camping. While the intent is to maintain clean and safe public spaces, the process can be disorienting and detrimental to those experiencing homelessness.
Marion Suitor, the Eugene Parks' public information officer, stated that all personal property taken during cleanups is stored at the City Personal Property Storage Facility at 115 N. Garfield St. in Eugene. However, for individuals like Stevens, accessing these facilities can be a daunting task, particularly without reliable transportation.
The collaboration between the Eugene Police Department and Eugene Parks and Open Space adds to the confusion. In some instances, Housing Support or Park Resource officers are involved, leaving individuals unsure about the status of their belongings. Stevens and Zoll have encountered this confusion firsthand, further complicating their efforts to retrieve her scooter.
As the city continues its cleanup efforts, the plight of individuals like Stevens remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. The loss of personal property, such as mobility scooters, can be a significant setback for those already struggling to maintain their independence.
Stevens' story serves as a call to action for the community to consider the impact of cleanup efforts on those experiencing homelessness. It is a testament to the need for compassionate and inclusive approaches to addressing homelessness, ensuring that individuals like Stevens have access to the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives.
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