I’ve always admired Eugene’s simplicity and college town familiarity. Everything feels close and the area has been one of the easiest to get accustomed to. One of the things that has greatly impacted my happiness in attending the University of Oregon is the strong sense of community. 

Every place you go in Eugene will certainly have some Duck decor lingering around, leading to a close feeling of community for UO students and fans alike. UO senior Cole Phillips has also experienced this deep sense of community. 

“Because the town is relatively small, you get to know everyone around you while you’re here and you see people you know all around,” Phillips said. 

Phillips also brought up a downside of living in Eugene. 

“There’s a lack of new things to do. After a few years living here you can check off pretty much anything there is to do in the city,” Phillips said.

Although there is little to do once everything is checked off your Eugene bucket list, one important upside to the town is its large amount of resources that are provided, such as the Student Food Pantry, vast networking opportunities among alumni and plenty of Eugene events listed under the website: https://www.eugene-or.gov/.

Payton Peters, UO junior, is aware of the community’s resources for the general public. 

“There’s a lot of resources even if you’re a non-student. I think of the EmX and the fact that students can ride for free until Springfield all the way to the end of Eugene. It’s really impressive for a country that doesn’t have a lot of public transportation,” Peters said.

Peters also brought up one particular downside.

“The lack of law enforcement here kind of sucks. I don’t think they do a lot in terms of poverty reduction. Someone might be having issues and the police will ask if they are okay and if they need water, but then will just drive away,” Peters said. 

If you or anyone you know is experiencing poverty or is in crisis, resources like New Roads and White Bird Clinic can help provide services. CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets) is available in Eugene and Springfield if immediate assistance is needed.

This happens more often in college towns than we expect. The neglect of the safety of others, especially those in poverty, is undermined, and this issue goes beyond the environment of a college town.

Living in a college town with a poverty rate exceeding both the state and national average is something I never considered when I talked to Peters. 

The desensitization of these environments causes me to unknowingly become unaware of the safety of mine and the greater Eugene community — showcasing the lack of care in the city’s law enforcement and indicating great safety risk.

If the Eugene Police Department continues to do the bare minimum when called upon, the community begins to lose faith that they will fulfill their duties in ensuring the safety of those not in poverty. This may result in marginalized communities having deep distrust of their law enforcement. EPD also strains hospitals, shelters and other social services when it refuses to help the community it swears to protect.

Eugene’s beauty only extends to the charm of college town essence, though I’m not completely cynical about living in this town. Eugene’s close community and Duck culture helps elevate a sense of belonging that many college students aspire to feel.

Resources:

Eugene CAHOOTS: 541-682-5111

Springfield CAHOOTS: 541-726-3714

White Bird Clinic: https://whitebirdclinic.org

New Roads: https://www.lookingglass.us/new-roads