Scale of homelessness in Oregon

Conflicting rates of who is experiencing homelessness, differing definitions of who is at risk, and varying cost estimates to help those without a stable place to live leave community members and policy makers confused about the scale and scope of the challenge that we face. When using any figures, consider the definition of homelessness, who is included, and who is left out. Whenever possible, use the most comprehensive definition, which includes people living doubled up and an annualized count of those experiencing homelessness. Also consider those at risk. Understanding the full scale of the issue is essential to addressing it.

Race and Homelessness

People of color continue to experience homelessness at disproportionately high rates in communities across Oregon and around the country. Structural and interpersonal racism creates and sustains everything from the wealth gap to inequities in housing policy and even homelessness services. Several studies examine these inequities and offer solutions such as using a racial equity lens when designing programs or drafting policies to make sure they do not continue to privilege some and disadvantage others.

Oregon disparities

• Black residents in Oregon are 4 times more likely than Whites to experience homelessness
• Native Americans in Oregon are nearly 7 times more likely than Whites to experience homelessness

(Data from ACS 2019 data and Oregon Point in Time 2019 and compares all three demographic groups' rates of homelessness to calculate the likelihood comparisons)

Proven solutions: Housing First 

Housing First is an approach to quickly and successfully connect people experiencing homelessness to permanent housing without preconditions or barriers such as sobriety, treatment, or service participation requirements, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Supportive services are offered to maximize housing stability and prevent returns to homelessness as opposed to addressing predetermined treatment goals prior to permanent housing entry. The model was popularized by Sam Tsemberis and Pathways to Housing in New York in the 1990s.

Numerous studies show that housing first participants experience higher levels of housing retention and use fewer emergency and criminal justice services, which produces cost savings in emergency department use, inpatient hospitalizations, and criminal justice system use.

• 75% and 91% of households remain housed a year after being rapidly re-housed, according to multiple studies.
• $31,545 in cost savings per person housed, according to one study. Another study showed that a Housing First program could cost up to $23,000 less per consumer per year than a shelter program.

Evictions and Oregon Renters

The pandemic has deepened the housing crisis in Oregon and threatens to leave thousands of renters homeless unless there is additional support.  As many as one in three renters owe back rent, a figure that increases to one in two for people of color.

At the same time these evictions represent an economic cost to Oregonians beyond those who are directly impacted. Our center surveyed renters during the pandemic, calculated the cost of evictions statewide with help from multiple partners, and explains what it means to cancel the rent as advocated by Community Alliance of Tenants and others. 

Student Homelessness and Housing Insecurity

National research on student housing insecurity and homelessness suggests that roughly 16% of students at four-year institutions have experienced homelessness in the last year and 35% have experienced housing insecurity in the last year (e.g., Baker-Smith et al., 2020). 

Black and indigenous students experience the highest rates of housing and food insecurity—particularly in comparison with their White peers (e.g., Baker-Smith et al., 2020; Crutchfield & Maguire, 2018). Students who are transgender have higher rates of homelessness and housing insecurity; and gay, lesbian, or bisexual students have higher rates of homelessness and housing insecurity (e.g., Baker-Smith et al, 2020). In addition, former foster youth, students formerly convicted of a crime, parenting students, and students with disabilities are also at a greater risk.

Surveys of people experiencing homelessness

Our center believes that people with lived experience of homelessness understand best the challenges, barriers, and solutions to address homelessness. It is through partnering, engaging, understanding, valuing, and centering their voices and experience that will show the pathway forward. We have conducted several surveys alongside the unhoused community to lift up their voices in public discourse. Topics include: shelter needs during pandemic, ideas for non-police response, and housing needs. We are also conducting the evaluation of the Portland Street Response pilot program, including multiple surveys of the unhoused community. 

Oregon Legislature 2021 and Homelessness

The center is tracking more than 28 bills that relate to homelessness in the 2021 Oregon State Legislature including bills that would establish a long-term rental assistance program (HB 2163), establish a right to rest (HB 2367), and affect siting of emergency shelters (HB 2006).