Multnomah County helped 6,160 people exit homelessness and move into housing between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, marking a 12 percent increase from the previous year, according to newly released data from the County’s homeless services system.
The system also supported 8,800 people who had exited homelessness in previous years to remain stably housed and assisted 17,589 people in avoiding homelessness through eviction prevention efforts. In total, 10,208 people stayed in county- or city-funded shelters over the fiscal year — also a 12 percent increase compared to last year’s 9,101.
The outcomes come as Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties released their annual reports on the region’s Supportive Housing Services (SHS) program. First approved by voters in 2020, the SHS fund has housed 15,724 people across the Portland metro area since its launch in 2021. The program has become a primary lifeline as federal and state funding streams contract and eviction rates remain high.
Still, demand for services continues to outpace available resources. Across the tri-county region, an average of 3,068 people sought homeless services for the first time each month, while an average of 1,001 people exited the system into permanent housing.
Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson praised the work of the County and its partners, noting the impact SHS dollars have had on stabilizing lives.
“For the thousands served by the Supportive Housing Services measure in Multnomah County, this measure is the difference between a safe place to call home and having to live on the streets,” Vega Pederson said. “We used SHS funding this last year to end homelessness for nearly 2,600 people and prevented more than 2,400 of our neighbors from becoming homeless in the first place — a significant accomplishment as we navigate funding challenges and abrupt changes in federal policy.”
Multnomah County’s SHS-funded efforts in FY 2025 included:
· Housing 2,599 people who were experiencing homelessness.
· Preventing homelessness for 2,416 people through eviction prevention services.
· Adding 244 new supportive housing units for people with complex needs.
· Opening 270 new shelter units, including 160 in partnership with the City of Portland.
· Sustaining operations for 1,606 existing shelter units with SHS funding.
Across the region, counties reported similar progress.
Washington County launched its first access center in Tigard, supported 3,345 people with eviction prevention assistance, and placed 776 people into long-term supportive housing and 804 into rapid rehousing. The county also maintained 385 shelter beds with SHS funding.
Clackamas County reported 786 people moved into permanent housing, with 96.1 percent of those in permanent supportive housing remaining stably housed after one year. The county helped 3,793 people avoid eviction and opened Clackamas Village, a new 24-pod shelter facility offering behavioral health services and permanent housing transition support. A total of 238 shelter units are now sustained with SHS funding in the county.
Metro Council President Lynn Peterson acknowledged the program’s successes and challenges.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done with our partners to help the thousands of Oregonians receiving Supportive Housing Services,” Peterson said. “But the housing crisis is evolving, and the Metro Council is working to find reforms needed to adapt the Supportive Housing Services program to meet evolving needs. The Metro Council is committed to making the changes we need to make this program as effective as possible in addressing chronic homelessness and supporting economic recovery in greater Portland.”
Regional leaders emphasized the importance of continued investment and innovation in response to rising demand.
“Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home,” said Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington. “With Supportive Housing Services, we’re turning that belief into action… The need is growing, but so is our commitment to building a more effective and responsive system of care.”
“Since launching Supportive Housing Services in 2021, Clackamas County has strengthened an entire continuum of care that helps residents find stability and stay housed,” said Clackamas County Chair Craig Roberts. “From shelter and outreach to behavioral health supports and eviction prevention services, provider partners are helping people regain stability and move forward. We are grateful for their dedication and for the progress we are making together.”
