MultCo reports 13% increase in housing among homeless in late 2024 as budget shortfall looms
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Nearly 2,500 people in Multnomah County who were homeless halfway through 2024 had successfully found permanent housing by the end of the year, county leaders announced Tuesday.
Recently released data from the second half of 2024 reveal that the county's Homeless Services Department recorded 2,469 people were in housing and were no longer experiencing homelessness at the start of 2025.
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'We are providing the right services at the right time for many people who have desperately needed help for so long,' Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said. 'We are not close to done — but this last quarter of investment and momentum should give us all hope for the future.'
Data show that 6,288 people found shelter between July and December 2024 through the county's contracted providers and 7,142 people were able to avoid eviction with emergency rent assistance.
The Homeless Services Department, previously known as the Joint Office of Homeless Services, said these numbers mean that 13% more people have permanent housing, 17% more people have access to shelter, and 22% more people dodged eviction than in the second half of 2023.
Chair Vega Pederson said this is a sign that the county's programs are moving more people off the streets with shelter and housing.
'Multnomah County has done what we said we would by getting money out the door quickly in ways that are improving conditions in every neighborhood we serve — to the benefit of our entire state and region,' Vega Pederson said. 'We're sheltering and housing more people than ever before — and preventing more people from becoming homeless.'
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However, the county claims this progress could be squashed due to an of 25% overall — with $104 million on the chopping block for housing and shelter assistance.
During a recent press conference, Vega Pederson called this funding shortage 'catastrophic,' adding that it will lead to cuts in shelter beds, rent assistance, outreach programs currently funded by the Supportive Housing Service measure and the Multnomah County general fund.
Department Director Dan Field said last year's improvements are a sign that these funds should be prioritized by state leaders.
'We're making difficult decisions right now about how to manage shrinking resources while continuing to serve our community,' Field said. 'The pace of progress we're seeing won't continue unless we find additional resources to sustain the work.'
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Last week, Vega Pederson sent letters to the State of Oregon and Metro to provide more resources to help maintain these services. She requested an additional $55 million from the state and $30 in unspent administrative funds from Metro.
KOIN 6 News immediately reached out to Gov. Tina Kotek, who said she had 'outstanding questions and potential concerns about how the county decided to make cuts to homeless services in their general fund.'
Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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