PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — A new report by federal officials says homelessness is on the rise nationwide, up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people. It’s the highest recorded since reporting began in 2007.
On a single night in January, this tally is taken across the country, finding Oregon has some of the highest levels of homelessness.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says 48 out of 10,000 Oregonians are experiencing homelessness.
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“Looking back to the beginning of this year – certainly January when the count was taken – we were slammed at Blanchet House,” the shelter’s Executive Director Scott Kerman recalled.
At 66%, Oregon is one of three states – including Hawaii and California – where more than two-thirds of the homeless are unsheltered. For example, sleeping in cars, parks or on the streets.
The report also notes that Oregon frequently reports the highest rate of unsheltered families in the nation, saying almost six in ten families experiencing homelessness did so outdoors last year. Additionally, the number of people in homeless families increased by 16% from the previous year.