Portland in Crisis: A City in Decline Documented by a Homeschool Mom

As Portland grapples with a surge in homelessness, crime, and drug addiction, Tara Faul, a homeschooling mother, has become an outspoken critic of the city's progressive leadership. Through her social media platform, she has shared disturbing videos and images that highlight the growing crisis in the Rose City.

Portland, once known as the "City of Roses," faces a grim reality as it grapples with a multitude of challenges, including a soaring homeless population, rampant drug addiction, and increasing crime rates. Amidst this turmoil, Tara Faul, a homeschooling mother, has emerged as an outspoken critic of the city's progressive leadership, utilizing her social media platform to document the rapid decline of her beloved city.

Faul's journey into activism began in 2020 amidst the nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd. Initially, she focused her attention on capturing the police response but quickly shifted her focus to the broader issues plaguing the city. "I realized it was more than just the police," Faul told Fox News Digital. "It was the whole political climate."

Armed with a camera, Faul began venturing into the streets of Portland, capturing the stark reality of a city in crisis. Her videos, often graphic and disturbing, have amassed a significant following on social media, drawing attention to the widespread tent encampments, rampant drug use, and violent clashes between protesters and police.

According to a recent poll conducted by DHM Research, an overwhelming majority of Portland area voters (70%) disapprove of the city's progressive leadership, including Mayor Ted Wheeler and the Portland City Council. The poll also revealed that 91% of voters are dissatisfied with the government's approach to homelessness, while 78% object to its handling of crime and 89% are critical of its response to drug addiction.

Portland State University professor Jack Miller attributes the city's decline to a combination of factors, including ineffective leadership, failed policies, and a lack of accountability. "There's no doubt that if you walk or drive around Portland, you'll be assaulted by evidence of city and county failures," Miller said in an interview with The Oregonian.

Residents of the Rose City share Miller's concerns, expressing frustration over the city's inability to address its most pressing issues. "Our biggest problem is that they don't seem interested in actually solving issues—they just want to talk about them," said 22-year-old Portland native Caleb Powell.

In response to the growing dissatisfaction among Portlanders, Mayor Wheeler has unveiled a proposed budget that prioritizes addressing homelessness, livability, community safety, and economic recovery. "This polling reaffirms that Mayor Wheeler's priorities remain aligned with Portlander's top concerns," said Cody Bowman, communications director for Wheeler's administration.

Despite the proposed budget, many residents remain skeptical, questioning whether the city's leaders are genuinely committed to addressing the crisis. "I've seen Portland change dramatically in the last six or seven years, and I hate to say it's not been for the better," said a Portland area resident to The Oregonian.

As Portland grapples with its unraveling, Tara Faul's online presence has become a voice for the voiceless, shedding light on the city's downward spiral and the urgent need for change. Through her unwavering documentation, she has captured the stark reality of a once-vibrant city now struggling to regain its former glory.