Willamette Week | Asylum Projects
Throughout the city an increasing number of chronically mentally ill are finding shelter in deteriorating hotels or boarding houses, many of which violate numerous fire and safety standards. Yet enforcement of those standards is sporadic and ineffectual. “Many limes I think, ‘My God, we’re sending people out who are not that well to begin with to these filthy places,’” says a Dammasch social worker, who tries to find housing for discharged patients. Above: Former Dammasch State Hospital (1961-1995)