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The rate of homelessness is outpacing efforts to house individuals in Portland-area counties


In the fiscal year 2023-24, Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties spent almost all of the $335 million in Metro homeless services tax revenue collected. This resulted in thousands of people finding emergency shelter and housing, with 85% to 96% remaining housed a year later. Despite the immense spending on homeless services, all three counties reported that more people become homeless each month on average than become housed.

While the new services have helped many individuals, the primary driver of homelessness is the inability to pay rent. Rising housing costs and other factors contribute to this issue. County leaders emphasized that the new services are making a difference in the community, but the demand for housing and services still exceeds the available resources.

Although the counties have met some of their service goals, challenges remain in meeting the overall demand for housing and services. Clackamas County, for example, experienced delays in capital projects but has fully committed its Metro tax budget to homeless services for the current fiscal year.

Washington County saw a decline in unsheltered homelessness and met qualitative goals in providing services to a diverse population. There were challenges in implementing programs, such as a fund meant to move people directly to housing, which served fewer households than planned.

Despite efforts to reduce homelessness, the tri-county region continues to struggle with meeting the high demand for housing and services. The county officials emphasized the importance of continued funding to support ongoing efforts to address homelessness in the community.

Source
Photo credit www.oregonlive.com

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