Homeless Services Department

Data is essential. Lived experience is foundational. How do we ensure our systems truly meet the needs of those they serve? By keeping community voices at the center of our work.

HSD is proud to announce the release of the first of a two-part "Pathways" study, a collaborative research project with the PSU Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative. Throughout 2025, the research team—including an independent lived experience research committee—surveyed 541 neighbors experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County to better understand their daily challenges and housing goals. By centering these voices, we are better equipped to refine our decision-making and advocate for the permanent housing solutions our community is asking for.

📖 Read more in our April Newsletter or at the link in our bio to access the full report and the PSU press release!

🏀 March 2026 Newsletter Alert 🏀

From major budget updates to stories of real impact, our latest issue is out now. This month, we’re diving into:

📉 Budget & Funding: The latest on our FY 2027 process and HUD funding updates.

🏠 Shelter News: Our role in the Statewide Shelter Initiative & celebrating service expansion at Bradley Angle

✨ Stories of Impact: A powerful look at resilience through SACOO’s work at the Cesar Apartments.

Check out the full issue to see how we’re navigating the road ahead, together.

🔗 Read more at the link in our bio!

The Harrison Community Village Shelter is expected to open in late spring in your neighborhood. Operated by the nonprofit provider Do Good Multnomah, this site will offer a "clean and sober" model where both participants and staff are required to abstain from any substance use not prescribed by a licensed medical provider. This alternative shelter site will provide 24/7 staffing, private sleeping quarters, and hygiene facilities, alongside dedicated housing case management and abstinence-based recovery services. By combining stable shelter with specialized support, this shelter will provide a vital new pathway for neighbors working toward long-term recovery and housing stability.

Multnomah County Homeless Services Department (HSD) invites you to join us on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., at the Portland Community College Community Hall Annex, 7901 SE Division St., Portland, OR 97206, for updates on the Harrison Community Village Shelter and the Good Neighbor Agreement. Brief presentations will be given by representatives from HSD Community Engagement, Do Good Multnomah, and community partners of the Good Neighbor Agreement. A question and answer session will follow.

To RSVP for the public meeting on Feb. 26th, please visit the Harrison Community Village Shelter webpage at: hsd.multco.us/emergency-shelters/alternative-shelters/1818-se-82nd-ave/

Harrison Community Village — Homeless Services Department Learn how the Homeless Services Department is using data, housing, shelter and outreach to end homelessness in Portland and Multnomah County.

Across the region, local governments are facing significant funding gaps—and Multnomah County is navigating those same headwinds. 📉 This past Tuesday, February 3rd, we updated the Board of Commissioners on the specific challenges facing the Homeless Services Department budget for the next fiscal year. While these hurdles aren't unique to HSD or even our County, we are working hard to be proactive and clear about our budget landscape.

See the data and the full briefing here: https://multnomah.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=3&event_id=5295&meta_id=186281

Thank you to Sunstone Way Transition Projects, Inc. and Our Just Future for joining HSD earlier this week during our presentation on the Adult Shelter Report. This new report analyzes the cost and effectiveness of adult shelters, and offers a policy recommendation for rebalancing the shelter system to prioritize housing placement out of shelter.

Read the article below:

Few homeless shelter guests end up housed; new report details problems, points to solution To improve outcomes in Multnomah County and Portland shelter systems, report suggests one key tactic.