Navigating Around Homelessness in Portland

Portland, Oregon has faced a significant increase in homelessness and housing insecurity in recent years. The rising gap between housing costs and incomes has led to visible camping and encampments throughout the city. To address this issue, the Portland/Multnomah County Joint Office of Homeless Services, along with Transition Projects and Central City Concern, established the Navigation Team. This team takes a services-first approach to high-impact campsites, connecting individuals to shelter, services, and housing opportunities.

The Navigation Team works closely with the City of Portland’s Homelessness and Urban Camping Impact Reduction Program to identify areas of frequent high-impact camping and address associated health and safety concerns. Hygiene services, such as portable toilets and lockers, are provided in these areas to improve living conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Portland has seen a significant increase in homelessness due to the gap between housing costs and incomes.
• The Navigation Team aims to connect individuals experiencing homelessness to shelter, services, and housing opportunities.
• Hygiene services, such as portable toilets and lockers, are provided in areas where high-impact camping is frequent.
• The Navigation Team works with the City of Portland and other public agencies to address health and safety concerns.
• Efforts are underway to provide support and services to prevent re-encampment in the future.

Homelessness Statistics in Portland

According to the 2023 Point in Time Count, the overall homelessness in Portland has increased by 65% from 2015 to 2023, with the number of individuals experiencing homelessness rising from 1,887 to 6,297. The City of Portland has invested $1.7 billion in affordable housing development and other services, including the opening of 4,608 affordable housing units. However, there continues to be a high demand for affordable housing, resulting in years-long waiting lists for many who are seeking housing.

The number of available shelter beds in Multnomah County has grown from 800 to 2,000 beds between 2015 and 2022, but the need for short-term shelter still outpaces the available resources. Substance abuse and untreated mental illness are significant challenges among individuals experiencing homelessness, with estimates indicating that substance use rates range from 58% to 88% among this population.

The prevalence of fentanyl, a highly potent and deadly drug, has further compounded the substance abuse issue, resulting in record overdoses and making fentanyl the leading cause of death for individuals under the age of 50.

Resources and Support for the Homeless in Portland

Portland offers a range of resources and support for the homeless population, reinforcing the city’s commitment to addressing homelessness. These initiatives aim to provide temporary shelter, connect individuals with essential services, and promote community well-being.

Temporary Alternative Shelter Sites

Portland has established temporary alternative shelter sites, such as the Clinton Triangle and River District Navigation Center. These sites provide temporary housing options for the homeless and connect residents with vital resources. Alongside shelter, individuals can access mental health support, substance use disorder treatment, and other critical services delivered by nonprofit and county partners.

Safe Rest Villages and RV Safe Park

Safe Rest Villages are alternative, outdoor shelters available to the homeless in Portland. These spaces prioritize safety and provide temporary accommodation, ensuring individuals have a place to stay while working towards more stable housing options. Additionally, Portland’s first RV Safe Park offers a safe and monitored space for those living in recreational vehicles, providing essential support and services.

Street Services Coordination Center

The Street Services Coordination Center acts as a centralized incident command structure, fostering collaboration among local agencies and service providers. This coordination ensures a concerted effort in addressing homelessness issues, including offering outreach services, connecting individuals with available resources, and addressing health and safety concerns in the community.

Collaboration with Multnomah County and State Leadership

The City of Portland actively collaborates with Multnomah County and state leadership to tackle homelessness, mental/behavioral health, and addiction. The partnership works to open and expand resources such as sobering facilities, detox centers, and mental/behavioral health services. Additionally, the city administers various behavioral health-related programs within Multnomah County, creating a comprehensive network of support.

Reporting and Assistance

The community can play an active role in addressing homelessness by reporting illegal campsite locations through the City of Portland’s One Point of Contact Campsite Reporting System. This system enables community members to provide valuable information, contributing to the city’s efforts in managing and addressing homelessness. Individuals seeking information, help, or assistance can also dial 2-1-1 or email help@211info.org to access the support and resources they need.

Conclusion

Navigating around homelessness in Portland requires a comprehensive approach involving various strategies and resources. Affordable housing options have been developed to address the housing crisis, while efforts to expand shelter capacity and offer support services have been made to assist those experiencing homelessness. Community initiatives and partnerships with nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies have also played a vital role in combating homelessness and improving the living conditions of individuals at high-impact campsites. In addition, outreach programs have been implemented to connect with and provide assistance to the homeless population in Portland. These programs aim to offer resources such as food, hygiene products, and medical care to individuals experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, efforts to address the root causes of homelessness, such as mental health issues and substance abuse, have been integrated into the overall approach to supporting the homeless population in Portland.

Despite these efforts, the issue of homelessness in Portland remains complex and pervasive. Ongoing collaboration and continuous efforts are needed to create lasting solutions and reduce the number of people living unsheltered in the city. By working together, the community can address the root causes of homelessness and provide sustainable support systems for vulnerable individuals.

With a focus on affordable housing options and community-driven initiatives, Portland aims to alleviate the impact of homelessness and provide individuals with stable and secure housing. By fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment, the city can further support those in need and create a brighter future for all residents.

Source Links

• https://www.portland.gov/homelessnessimpactreduction/navigation-team
• https://www.portland.gov/wheeler/homelessness
• https://www.portlandoregon.gov/wheeler/article/737409