Recent data released by Multnomah County officials paints a distressing picture of homelessness in the region, highlighting that as of February, 14,824 individuals are homeless in the county.
Of this total, 6,796 people are living outdoors, in vehicles, or in other settings considered unfit for human habitation.
This figure represents more than double the homeless population identified during the federally mandated point-in-time count conducted in January 2023 and shows an increase of nearly 3,000 individuals compared to earlier estimates from January 2024.
The data underscores a troubling trend: homelessness is rising monthly in Multnomah County, even as local leaders have made efforts to provide shelter and housing to more people than ever before.
“The good thing is that the data exists,” City Councilor Eric Zimmerman stated, expressing concern over the findings.
He made these remarks at a steering committee meeting for the county’s homelessness response task force on Wednesday, where the data was unveiled.
This new comprehensive dataset offers an unprecedented look at the size, demographics, and housing status of the area’s fluctuating homeless population.
“We can’t ignore this data,” emphasized County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson during the meeting.
She highlighted the significance of this information in helping elected officials allocate funds effectively and address the ongoing homeless crisis more efficiently.
The data comes from a federally mandated database that tracks, by name, individuals receiving any form of homeless services.
This means that anyone who utilizes services, such as taking a shower at a day center, spending a night in a shelter, or receiving supportive housing with ongoing assistance for health needs, is included in the count.
While individual names remain confidential, the overall figures present a stark reality.
Key points from the report include:
– 7,485 individuals were chronically homeless in the county in February, with over half of this population living unsheltered.
– Black and Indigenous people are significantly overrepresented among the region’s homeless population.
– Individuals under the age of 25 constitute 13% of Multnomah County’s homeless population.
– 7,608 individuals were in county-supported housing as of February.
– The average nightly shelter usage rate in February was 92%.
– After two years, approximately 82% of individuals in county-supported housing remained housed, regardless of the housing type.
County Commissioner Shannon Singleton acknowledged the value of the new data but expressed the need for further inquiries.
Specifically, she questioned the long-term effectiveness of the county’s eviction prevention efforts and whether individuals who receive temporary assistance to remain in their homes are more likely to still be housed two years later.
The steering committee raised several questions for county officials to explore as they analyze the newly released data.
Planned evaluations will include assessments of the effectiveness of rapid rehousing programs that transition individuals quickly into low-barrier housing, the outreach programs’ efficacy, and an exploration of the initial triggers that lead people to become homeless.
An evaluation of the county’s various shelter types regarding their success in moving residents into permanent housing has already been completed.
According to this analysis, only about 15% of individuals seeking refuge at one of the county’s congregate shelters transitioned into permanent housing from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
Additionally, 8.6% secured temporary housing, while 42% returned to homelessness after their stay.
In contrast, data revealed that over 50% of adults residing at alternative shelter sites, such as village-style shelters, successfully moved into apartments or homes during the last fiscal year.
Singleton remarked on the importance of this information for guiding leaders toward judicious policy decisions regarding funding allocations.
The new data will likely prompt a reevaluation of the goals set within the multi-agency homeless response plan, according to Jillian Schoene, who oversees that effort for the county.
Future goals will not only focus on the services provided but also set targets aimed at actually reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County.
“We can’t solve what we can’t see – and that’s why this data work was so important,” Schoene explained.
She added that through ongoing outreach and improved data practices, more individuals can be identified in real-time, enabling better delivery of services to help them escape homelessness.
County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards has been an advocate for enhanced data collection about the local homeless population.
While the recent numbers are startling, she expressed relief at their availability.
“The … data now available … tells us that our shelter strategies work to connect people to services and help stabilize them, but without more transitional and permanent housing options, it’s challenging for people to move on,” Brim-Edwards stated in a release to The Oregonian/OregonLive.
She called upon county and city officials to continue making significant strides toward increasing shelter beds, while also focusing on boosting housing production.
Oregon currently faces the second most constrained housing market in the nation, with just 1.1 housing units available per household, according to insights shared by ECONorthwest, an economic consulting firm.
The firm reported that only 856 multifamily permits were issued in Portland in 2024, marking the lowest number seen since the Great Recession.
In the coming months, the new data poses challenges for Portland Mayor Keith Wilson’s plan to eradicate unsheltered homelessness this year through a significant expansion of overnight shelter beds.
The findings indicate that Wilson’s plan was based on a considerably smaller estimated homeless population than reality indicates.
Despite the sobering data, Wilson and his team remain resolute.
“These numbers are sobering because it means the goal post just got moved further away from us,” Wilson noted.
“We’re simply going to adjust to it because these are our neighbors.”
Lillian Mongeau Hughes reports on homelessness and mental health for The Oregonian.
Readers can reach her via email with tips or questions at [email protected] or follow her on social media platforms like Bluesky and X.
image source from：https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/04/what-portland-area-officials-say-theyll-do-differently-with-alarming-new-homelessness-data.html
