Oregon’s largest homeless shelter network is entering a period of substantial contraction as Portland and Multnomah County reduce, close and consolidate shelter programs that expanded during previous years, leaving hundreds fewer spaces available while public agencies confront expiring funding, budget deficits and continuing demand for emergency housing.
The reductions are unfolding across two interconnected but separately financed systems operated by the City of Portland and Multnomah County. Although individual closures have attracted attention throughout the year, the cumulative figures reveal a much larger restructuring of the region’s response to homelessness.
Multnomah County’s adopted fiscal year 2027 budget calls for the elimination of 605 adult shelter units and 90 scattered-site family shelter vouchers, a combined reduction of 695 units and vouchers…