Oregon's homelessness crisis continues to deepen, as revealed in a recent homelessness report released by Portland State University's Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative (HRAC). According to the report, a staggering 27,119 individuals were experiencing homelessness in Oregon, a 35% increase since the count two years prior, as reported by Oregonlive.com. This sharp rise is attributed to actual increases in the homeless population, coupled with enhancements in the data collection methods used to conduct the Point-in-Time count.
The finer details of the report highlight some progress in addressing homelessness, including a 40% decrease in unsheltered homelessness among families with children and a 4% decrease in unsheltered homelessness overall. This is according to a statement obtained by KGW. Governor Tina Kotek has reportedly renewed the state of emergency on homelessness to maintain the momentum and address the intersection of homelessness, mental health, and addiction. However, despite this reported progress, the overall number of people experiencing homelessness continues to outpace the state's response, indicating a persistent and growing challenge.
Multnomah County, Oregon's most populous, saw substantive improvements in its data-gathering capabilities. These improvements in the county were complemented by state-wide efforts to expand shelter capacity. Over two years, sheltered homelessness in Oregon increased by nearly 50%, a testament to investments across the state to provide more shelter beds, as detailed in the PSU report featured by Portland State University. Despite this, the reality is that 60.9% of those counted in the state still remain unsheltered – living on sidewalks, in vehicles, or other spaces not meant for human habitation.
Marisa Zapata, director of PSU's HRAC, reflected on the report's findings, stating that the increases in shelter capacity are significant, but "we also have an expanded ability to bring people inside." She also emphasized the dire need for strategies that prevent new entries into homelessness. Megan Bolton, assistant director of research at Oregon Housing and Community Services, echoed these sentiments, telling Portland State University that while progress has been made in increasing shelter capacity, the continued rise in homelessness due to economic and housing constraints remains a serious concern.
The report additionally stressed a sobering reality for communities of color. Native American, Alaska Native, and Indigenous Oregonians experienced homelessness at a rate almost seven times higher than their proportion of the state population. To combat these disparities, pointedly equity-focused housing solutions are needed. The increase in total homelessness, and the nuances within, lays bare a critical need for increasing affordable housing and bolstering resources to alleviate the crisis facing Oregon today. As federal data remains elusive, local efforts such as this report become ever more crucial in understanding and addressing the challenges at the state level.
