… Mike Smith, a representative from the grassroots group Homeless Voices for Justice based at Portland’s Preble Street center, said programs such as LEAD have worked well in other states. A recovering alcoholic, Smith said he was able to turn his life around and avoid jail by accessing treatment when he needed it. But he sees many people struggling with drug addiction who are not so fortunate.
“I’m sick of people I know dying or spending months or years in prison,” he said …
