An inaugural event to provide services to the homeless drew about 100 people Jan. 30, far exceeding the organizers’ expectations. Called the “Community Connection,” the event was created by The Dalles Housing Solutions Coalition to not only reach the homeless, but those who can help the homeless.

The Oregon Department of Transportation has installed fencing beneath two overpasses in The Dalles to prevent transients from camping under them. “We don’t like doing it; it’s not a situation we like to be in,” said ODOT spokesman Peter Murphy. But the camping creates a situation “that simply has to be taken care of.”