PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – With winter weather around the corner, Multnomah County has unveiled its first draft policy on distributing tents and tarps to the homeless.
Some county commissioners said the policy proposed on Tuesday fails to address previous tent and tarp distribution issues and lacks accountability. Others argue that, until we have enough shelter, these items are needed to save lives.
The cost for tents in 2025 is estimated at $230,000 to cover 6,500 tents. Once these tents are available, Julia Comnes with the county said the Joint Office of Homeless Services will resume distribution.
“The Joint Office stopped distributing tents temporarily when existing inventory ran out,” Comnes said. “The Joint Office has ordered new tents under the interim tents/tarps policy, and will resume distribution in line with that policy once those tents arrive.”
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But the new draft policy comes after the city and county put a pause on the hand-outs back in June following backlash from city leaders and community members alike. It also led to a lawsuit filed against the City of Portland .