Tents Will Only Be Distributed to Homeless People in Multnomah County in Winter and Severe Weather Conditions

As part of its goal to increase housing capacity for homeless people, Multnomah County has embarked on a new policy to reduce the distribution of tents as an inadequate alternative to providing appropriate shelter.

Multnomah County Chair, J Vega Pederson, confirms that tent distribution can only take place during winter and severe weather conditions and becomes effective on 27 May.

The Homeless Population Will Continue to Receive Resources Such as Clothing, Sleeping Bags, and Hygiene Kits

However, the county will continue to distribute water, clothing, sleeping bags, blankets, first aid supplies, and hygiene kits to people living in unsheltered conditions.

Vega Pederson says the county is focused on fewer people sleeping on the streets, more people entering treatment, and a safer community for all residents.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards says ‘Tents are not a solution to homelessness.’

The goal is to provide sufficient shelter and affordable housing so that tents will no longer be necessary.

There Were 7,398 Homeless People in Multnomah County in February

Figures released by the Homeless Services Department show that 7,398 formerly homeless people were housed in apartments and homes through rent assistance and other services in February 2025, a 79% increase compared to January 2021.

Since 2020, Multnomah County and the City of Portland have increased the number of shelter beds by 81% and opened 18 new shelters.

Funding has also been provided to support Portland’s Safe Rest Villages, temporary alternative shelter sites, and new overnight-only shelters.

According to the national biannual homelessness count, the number of people without homes in Multnomah County is ever-increasing.

The federally mandated census takes place every second year, and at the beginning of 2025 identified 12,034 people without homes in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties – 87% of them from Multnomah County. More than 50% or 7,038 of those counted were living in unsheltered conditions.

Homelessness Among Latino, Black, and Asian People in Portland Has Risen Alarmingly

Since 2023, the increase in homelessness among Latino, Indigenous, Black, and Asian people in the Portland area is alarming.

According to information from the Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative at Portland State University, Latino homelessness increased by 114%,  American Indian and Alaska Native by 103%,  Asian and Black by 65%, and whites by 42%.

The main contributor to homelessness is the failure of wages to keep pace with the cost of living, says ECONorthwest, an economic research company. Most housing stock in the metro area of Portland costs over 30% more than the median income of $116,900.