In Eugene, Oregon, the issue of homelessness has taken a stark and personal turn for Bobbie Stevens, a woman who has spent over a decade on the streets of the city. Stevens, who lost her leg after a prolonged battle with an open wound, now faces the added hardship of losing her mobility scooter—a vital tool for her survival in a city where she is often left without support.
Stevens, born in 1965 and a resident of Eugene since her youth, has faced numerous challenges throughout her life. After a tumultuous marriage and a series of setbacks, she found herself without a leg, without a home, and struggling to navigate the complexities of life on the streets. Her journey highlights the ongoing struggle faced by many in the community who are grappling with homelessness and the loss of personal property.
Over the years, Stevens has lost multiple mobility scooters and wheelchairs, a direct result of her nomadic lifestyle and the harsh realities of living on the streets. After a particularly harrowing period, during which she lived with an open wound for seven years, doctors amputated her leg below the knee to prevent further infection.
Stevens' current living situation is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. After moving to her friend Thomas Zoll's house, she has been receiving treatment from a methadone clinic and is on a path to recovery. "We just need someone to believe in us sometimes," she said. "I have a 5-year-old granddaughter, I want to be something she's proud of."
However, her struggle with the city's cleanup efforts has only added to her burdens. Stevens' red mobility scooter, which she relies on for transportation, has been taken from local parks multiple times by the Eugene Parks and Open Space department. Despite her efforts to retrieve it, the scooter remains missing.
The situation has left Stevens without a wheelchair or consistent transportation, forcing her to rely on others for rides or to walk long distances. "We have to walk, or find someone who is willing to give us a ride," she said.
The issue of property loss during cleanups is a contentious one in Eugene. Cleanups of homeless encampments occur on Oregon Department of Transportation and Eugene Parks and Open Space properties, and when individuals are arrested, regardless of their housing status, their belongings are taken to evidence facilities through the Eugene Police Department or the Lane County Sheriff's Office.
Stevens and Zoll have stressed the challenges faced by those with mobility devices like scooters. Because they are electric, these devices often need to be charged at local businesses or left in parks when solar panels are available, making them more susceptible to theft or loss during cleanups.
The Eugene Parks and Open Space department is responsible for preserving, enhancing, and monitoring over 5,000 acres of parks, trailheads, and gardens across Lane County. According to their Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report, Park Watch, a community reporting tool operated by the organization, received 4,050 reports during the fiscal year, with 1,353 of those complaints reported as illegal camping.
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, the industrial setting of the facility and the lack of public transportation options make it difficult for individuals like Stevens to retrieve their belongings.
The case of Bobbie Stevens underscores the complexities of the homelessness crisis in Eugene and the challenges faced by those who rely on mobility devices. As the city grapples with how to address these issues, the stories of individuals like Stevens serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of homelessness and the importance of finding sustainable solutions.
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