Oregon Triples Down on Rent Assistance and Supportive Housing as 3,000 Residents Seek Help Monthly
Everyone deserves safe and stable housing, says Metro Supportive Housing Services (SHS) in its recently released annual report. The organization collaborates with Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties to reduce homelessness through programs and services that provide safe and stable homes.
During the 2024-25 financial year, SHS prevented 1,500 people from homelessness in Clackamas County, 700 in Multnomah County, and in Washington County, 812 households were provided with permanent, supportive housing, or rapid rehousing.
Homelessness is Fueled by Rising Housing Costs and Stagnant Wages
SHS says that rising housing costs and stagnant wages are responsible for increased homelessness, with more than 3,000 people every month seeking homeless services.
Oregon Homeless Population Trend (2010–2024)
Homeless numbers in Oregon have nearly doubled over 15 years, reflecting rising housing costs and limited shelter capacity.
2025 values pending federal PIT release — estimated trajectory continues upward.
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However, the organization’s 10-year goal is to connect 5,000 homeless households with permanent supportive housing and to stabilize 10,000 households at risk of homelessness into permanent housing.
How Many Oregonians Received Housing Assistance?
State-supported rental & homelessness programs have scaled rapidly since 2020 as need surged across the state.
2025 projections will update following Q3 state reporting.
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This is funded by Measure 26-210, approved by voters in the greater Portland metro area, in May 2020.
| County / Region | Homelessness Prevented | Newly Housed | Shelter / Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clackamas | ≈2,679 prevented | ~412 PSH + ~196 RRH | ~210 units (goal 155) | 358 rent assist this year; 766 over 3 yrs |
| Multnomah | Thousands served (varied reports) | ~2,599 housed FY24–25; ~7,255 total w/support | ~270 new; ~1,606 sustained | 3,778 sheltered FY24–25 |
| Washington | 10,400+ assisted | ~1,200+ housed (704 HH in 3 yrs) | ~90 pods; ~433 beds total | ~35% unsheltered decrease reported |
| Tri-County Total | 15,000+ prevented (multi-yr) | ~6,000 housed (3 yrs) | ~1,450 beds/units created or sustained | 10-yr targets: 5K housed + 10K stabilized |
Clackamas County Housing Projects
Clackamas County will launch a new Housing 4 Success program to provide up to three years of rent assistance. Applicants will also receive supportive services, such as assistance with employment and a savings program.
Two new site-based developments with a combined 40 permanent supportive housing units are also being developed in the county.
Thirteen new shelter units have been created as a Stabilization Center for adults experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Residents at the center will be assisted with housing.
Clackamas has 233 shelter units, while its Outreach program engages 750 households experiencing homelessness.
Multnomah and Washington Projects
Multnomah County will introduce 248 new supportive housing units during 2026, and Washington County will have $1.5 million available to assist at least 100 households with move-in assistance.
These are just two examples of many projects that will contribute to reducing homelessness in the two states.