Catholic Charities Running Up Against Landlord-Tenant Laws at Women's Village

Catholic Charities has run into a hurdle in its administration of the Kenton Women's Village because of landlord-tenant laws. The nonprofit organization had instituted a zero-tolerance policy for illegal activity, but were recently told by the Portland City Attorney's office that residents are protected by normal landlord-tenant laws, and evictions must go through normal proceedings. Catholic Charities issued a statement in response, saying, "Because Catholic Charities is committed to assuring the wellbeing of villagers and maintaining a healthy environment for those participating in the program, we find the City Attorney's interpretation of landlord-tenant law to be problematic." Managers are also struggling to prepare the tiny homes in the village for winter temperatures. Read more.