Multnomah County may cut legal services that supporters say prevent homelessness

In 2003, S. Jackson was 18 and about to have the worst night of his life.

Jackson, a community college student at the time, was driving from Portland to Eugene to visit his girlfriend when he ran out of gas. He decided to call a cab. The car service that showed up had no meter, but Jackson had grown up in Portland’s foster care system and was sent by cab to various appointments all over the city. He figured he could judge what a fare should cost.

He had no inkling that, in the end, it would cost him nearly everything.

The driver told Jackson the fare for the 20-minute ride would be $70. Jackson didn’t have that much money and didn’t think it was a fair charge. He got angry…

Read the whole story on The Oregonian/OregonLive.com.

Photos by Allison Barr.