As Oregon grapples with a high rate of homelessness, a drug counselor and homeless services specialist in Portland has been arrested on theft charges, shedding light on the city’s approach to the crisis. Kevin Dahlgren, whose videos about homelessness in Portland gained viral attention, was taken into custody on 19 charges related to theft and misuse of his official position with the City of Gresham, located just east of Portland. Dahlgren is accused of stealing property worth thousands of dollars between 2020 and 2021, utilizing a city procurement card for his personal gain.
The investigation into Dahlgren’s actions began when suspicious activity was discovered by city staff in March of this year. Following the discovery, Dahlgren was placed on leave and eventually resigned. A city spokesperson emphasized the commitment to holding individuals accountable for actions that could harm the community, stating, “Public service is at the heart of this organization, and we want to assure our community that anyone whose actions could cause harm to Gresham will be held accountable.”
Despite Dahlgren’s arrest, he has been a vocal critic of what he refers to as the “homeless industrial complex” in Oregon and California. He frequently films interviews with people living on the streets, shedding light on their experiences. Dahlgren believes that simply throwing money at the issue of homelessness will not provide a permanent solution. He points out that without addressing the root causes, the problem will persist and potentially worsen.
Dahlgren has gained attention for his views and activism, appearing on national news broadcasts and podcasts. He was prominently featured in a YouTube documentary about drugs in Portland that garnered millions of views. He has also engaged with local leaders, participating in neighborhood town halls and meeting with city officials. However, some of his ideas did not materialize into tangible solutions.
The charges against Dahlgren include theft, identity theft, aggravated identity theft, and official misconduct. He has been released from custody but has yet to comment on the allegations. Dahlgren had been employed by Gresham’s homeless services team since 2018, earning an annual salary of $80,000.
The arrest of Dahlgren sheds light on the challenges faced by Portland in addressing its homelessness crisis. It highlights the need for a comprehensive and effective approach that goes beyond temporary measures. The city must address the root causes of homelessness and work towards sustainable solutions that can make a lasting impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
