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Shawna Roberson tears up while discussing some of the belongings she lost during the closure of the China Hat area in 2025 while at her camp in Juniper Ridge outside Bend. “Just talking about it gives me such a headache,” Roberson said about losing a fifth wheel and other possessions. Roberson lived in the China Hat area for approximately 5 years, and then relocated to Juniper Ridge after the closure of by the U.S. Forest Service. Photo by Joe Kline.

Shawna Roberson tears up while discussing some of the belongings she lost during the closure of the China Hat area in 2025 while at her camp in Juniper Ridge outside Bend. “Just talking about it gives me such a headache,” Roberson said about losing a fifth wheel and other possessions. Roberson lived in the China Hat area for approximately 5 years, and then relocated to Juniper Ridge after the closure of by the U.S. Forest Service. Photo by Joe Kline.

‘I lost it all’: Residents of Oregon homeless camp say Forest Service blew off calls, appointments to reclaim lost property

Former residents of one of Oregon’s largest homeless encampments say they lost cars, work tools, irreplaceable family photos and other items.

Apr 116 min read

Patrick Walston pauses while talking about his inability to recover belongings from his former campsite in the China Hat area.

Patrick Walston pauses while talking about his inability to recover belongings from his former campsite in the China Hat area.

Displaced China Hat campers reeling as their belongings become U.S. property

While the U.S. Forest Service touts efforts to clear out encampments as 'success,' a growing number of campers say their phone calls and emails have been ignored.

Aug 19, 20257 min read

Andrew Couture sits outside his campsite near Redmond beside his pitbull, Octavia.

Andrew Couture sits outside his campsite near Redmond beside his pitbull, Octavia.

Decorated Marine Corps veteran, homeless for more than a decade, braces for change

Andrew Couture has lived in the juniper forest east of Redmond for more than a decade. With another sweep looming, the disabled veteran who lives on a fixed income wonders where he and his friends will go.

Jun 24, 20255 min read

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