Multnomah County reports that 2,469 individuals overcame homelessness in the last six months of 2024, with 6,288 people accessing temporary shelters. These figures represent a 13% increase in people leaving homelessness, a 17% rise in shelter access, and a 22% boost in eviction preventions through emergency rent assistance compared to the previous year. County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson stated, "We are providing the right services at the right time for many people who have desperately needed help for so long," according to the Multnomah County.
Multnomah County reports 90% retention in permanent supportive housing and 88% in rapid rehousing programs after one year, meeting and exceeding Supportive Housing Services measure goals halfway through the fiscal year. The county has spent $76.7 million on these services, surpassing last year's spending pace. However, a 25% budget cut, creating a $104 million deficit for homeless services. Homeless Services Director Field stated, "The pace of progress we're seeing won't continue unless we find additional resources to sustain the work." Vega Pederson said the county cannot afford to reverse these gains, as stated by the Multnomah County.
Terralinda moved from homelessness to her own apartment with help from Cascadia Health's outreach team, supported by the Homeless Services Department. She said, "To be able to get up in the morning and be safe, and to be able to go and talk to somebody that I trust, is awesome." Multnomah County reports progress in addressing homelessness, but a projected financial shortfall could affect services without continued funding and community support.
