In the heart of Eugene, Oregon, the life of Bobbie Stevens, a 50-year-old woman who has spent over a decade living on the streets, has been marked by hardship and loss. After losing her leg due to an open wound that persisted for seven years, Stevens has found herself in a peculiar predicament: the city has taken her mobility scooter, leaving her without the means to navigate her environment independently.
Stevens arrived in Eugene from Tennessee in her 20s, and after a tumultuous relationship with her husband, who later passed away in prison, she found herself struggling with addiction and homelessness. Her journey through the parks and streets of Eugene has been fraught with challenges, but she has remained resilient, often relying on the kindness of friends and community members for support.
One such friend, Thomas Zoll, has taken Stevens under his wing, providing her with a place to stay and access to treatment for her addiction. For the first time in 30 years, Stevens has been sober for over three weeks, a significant milestone in her journey toward recovery.
However, the recent loss of her mobility scooter has cast a shadow over her progress. Stevens' scooter, which she relies on for transportation, was taken by the city during a cleanup of homeless encampments in local parks and open spaces. Despite the scooter's significance to her daily life, it remains missing, a loss that has left her feeling vulnerable and isolated.
"It's hard to get around without it," Stevens said. "We have to walk, or find someone who is willing to give us a ride."
The issue of property loss during cleanup operations is not uncommon in Eugene. As the city works to preserve and enhance its parks and open spaces, it often encounters illegal camping and belongings left behind by those experiencing homelessness. According to the Eugene Parks and Open Space Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report, 1,353 complaints of illegal camping were reported through the Park Watch community reporting tool.
When personal property is taken during these cleanups, it is typically stored at the City Personal Property Storage Facility. However, the process of retrieving belongings can be complicated and confusing. Stevens and Zoll have attempted to retrieve her scooter twice before, but on the third occasion, it was not found at the facility.
The confusion surrounding which department is responsible for the property can exacerbate the problem. While the Eugene Parks and Open Space department is responsible for the preservation and monitoring of parks and open spaces, the Eugene Police Department and Lane County Sheriff's Office handle evidence and property storage.
Stevens and Zoll have expressed frustration with the system, noting that the process of retrieving personal property is often arduous and disheartening. "We have to walk, or find someone who is willing to give us a ride," Stevens said, highlighting the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness in accessing their belongings.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness and the effectiveness of cleanup operations. While the city's efforts to maintain its parks and open spaces are commendable, the impact on those who call these areas home is often overlooked.
Stevens' story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities faced by those experiencing homelessness. As the city continues its cleanup efforts, it must find a balance between maintaining public spaces and ensuring the dignity and rights of those who rely on them for survival.
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