Bobbie Stevens, a resident of Eugene, Oregon, has faced a myriad of hardships in her life, but the recent loss of her mobility scooter has brought her situation to a new low. After living on the streets of Eugene for 12 years, Stevens lost her leg due to an open wound that went untreated for seven years. Now, she finds herself without her essential mobility device, which was seized during a city cleanup of homeless encampments.
Stevens, born in California and raised in Tennessee, moved to Eugene with her husband in their 20s. Their lives took a turn for the worse when her husband was sent to prison in Tennessee, where he passed away. Left without support, Stevens struggled with addiction and eventually lost her belongings, including her mobility scooter and wheelchair. She spent over a decade living in Eugene's parks and on the streets.
"I didn't know homelessness existed like this until I came to Eugene," Stevens reflects. Despite her challenges, she has been working on staying clean and recently began living at the home of local activist Thomas Zoll, who has been supportive of her journey.
The loss of her mobility scooter has been particularly difficult for Stevens, who relies on it to navigate the city. "We have to walk, or find someone who is willing to give us a ride," she says, emphasizing the struggle of retrieving her belongings from the city's storage facilities.
Stevens' scooter was removed from various local parks by the Eugene Parks and Open Space department. Without a wheelchair or consistent transportation, she must rely on others to retrieve her expensive and necessary mobility devices. Unfortunately, her scooter has been missing for five months after it was taken by the city.
The situation highlights the complexities of managing homeless encampments and the challenges faced by individuals who rely on public spaces for shelter. According to the Eugene Parks and Open Space department, they work to preserve and enhance over 5,000 acres of parks, trailheads, and gardens across Lane County. During the fiscal year 2025, they received 4,050 reports, with 1,353 complaints reported as illegal camping.
While the city's efforts to maintain public spaces are commendable, the process of retrieving personal belongings can be confusing and challenging for those affected. Marion Suitor, the Eugene Parks' public information officer, stated that all personal property taken during cleanups is stored at the City Personal Property Storage Facility at 115 N. Garfield St. in Eugene. However, public transportation can be unreliable, making it difficult for individuals like Stevens to access their belongings.
Stevens and Zoll have emphasized the need for a more streamlined process for retrieving personal property. They also highlighted the importance of understanding which department is responsible for the belongings, as the Eugene Police Department and Eugene Parks and Open Space sometimes work together on these matters.
The case of Bobbie Stevens serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by those experiencing homelessness. As the city continues to address the issue, it is crucial to consider the impact of cleanup efforts on individuals who rely on public spaces for survival. Ensuring that these individuals have access to their personal belongings and the support they need is a critical step in addressing the broader challenges of homelessness.
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