Multnomah County’s homeless services are facing a budget shortfall, with a projected gap of $104 million that could impact efforts to address homelessness in the region. The anticipated 25% reduction may lead to the closure of shelter beds, a slowdown in expanding shelter capacity, and a reduction in programs designed to help people transition from the streets to shelter and housing. Jessica Vega Pederson, chair of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, has called on state and regional partners to help prevent significant cuts to these services.
In response to the forecasted budget challenges, Chair Vega Pederson has drafted letters to state and regional authorities requesting emergency funds. According to Multnomah County, without additional funding to address the shortfall, the community faces a heightened risk of increased homelessness and hardship. The chair stressed the need to maintain progress in the fight against homelessness, stating, "We’re sheltering and housing more people than ever before – and preventing more people from becoming homeless. We can’t go backward." This request for financial support comes as the county faces a significant reduction in expected revenue from Supportive Housing Services funds and County general funds.
Although Multnomah County represents only 20% of Oregon’s population, it serves over 40% of the state's homeless individuals, highlighting the disparity between need and available resources. This financial challenge is further compounded by a recent budget transmission letter from the Homeless Services Department (formerly the Joint Office of Homeless Services), which outlines the potential consequences of the budget shortfall.
Data highlights from the last quarter of 2024 showcase the impact of the county’s homelessness services: approximately 1,425 people moved into housing, more than 2,214 individuals found refuge in shelters, and around 4,367 households avoided eviction with emergency rent assistance. Moreover, the majority of participants in permanent housing programs remain housed after a year, indicating the efficacy of the county's efforts. Despite this success, "significant work remains," Chair Vega Pederson told Multnomah County, indicating that the ongoing challenges cannot be addressed if funding disappears.
The shortfall could also affect neighboring counties, potentially overwhelming their services with an influx of individuals seeking assistance. Jillian Schoene, Director of the Homelessness Response System, highlighted the need for a balanced approach to addressing homelessness despite budget constraints. Vega Pederson’s requests for additional resources aim to utilize existing taxpayer dollars to meet the increased demand, without the need for new taxes. The requests include $55 million from the State of Oregon, $30 million from Metro’s unspent administrative funds, and a joint effort with Washington and Clackamas counties for both immediate and long-term regional funding solutions.
