The regional Supportive Housing Services fund continues to make a difference in the lives of thousands of Oregonians, but it’s facing the headwinds of increasing demand, according to data released by the three counties that participate in the program.
As other sources of housing and homeless services funding dry up – and as eviction rates remain stubbornly high across the Metro area – SHS has become an increasingly critical lifeline for people experiencing homelessness and housing instability in the Portland area.
Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties have released their SHS annual reports for the past fiscal year ending on June 30, 2025. The reports show that the counties used SHS funds to move thousands of people into housing – 15,724 over the life of the program – and keep many more stably housed through short- and long-term rent assistance. Even still, a greater number fell into homelessness or sought homeless services for the first time due to evictions and other upstream economic factors, illustrating how the demand for services continues to outpace the level of services available through existing resources.
- Average number of people seeking homeless services for the first time across the region each month: 3,068
- Average number of people exiting the homeless services system to permanent housing each month: 1,001*
*This includes people receiving assistance through SHS, federal, state and county funded resources, or who have otherwise secured permanent housing.
Multnomah County
Multnomah County's SHS annual report highlights that SHS-funded programming:
- Moved 2,599 people from homelessness to permanent housing with SHS funding
- Helped 2,416 people avoid homelessness through eviction prevention assistance
- Added 244 new supportive housing units – the type of housing that’s most effective at ending chronic homelessness
- Opened 270 new shelter units, 160 of which were in partnership with the City of Portland. That’s on top of the 1,606 shelter units whose sustained operations were supported with SHS funding
Multnomah County is also able to share systemwide homeless services data for FY 2025.
Outcomes from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, for the Multnomah County homeless services system (supported with both SHS and other funding sources) include:
- 6,160 people left homelessness for housing — a 12% increase over last year’s 5,477 people.
- 8,800 people who had left homelessness for housing in previous years continued to be supported in a housing program — people who would likely fall back into homelessness without those supports.
- 17,589 people avoided homelessness in the first place with eviction prevention programs.
- 10,208 people stayed in a County- or City-funded shelter (a 12% increase over last year’s 9,101 people).
For monthly Multnomah County data, visit the online data dashboard.
Washington County
Washington County's SHS annual report highlights that SHS-funded programming:
- Opened permanent shelters in Tigard and Beaverton, while maintaining 385 shelter beds with SHS funding
- Helped 3,345 people avoid homelessness through eviction prevention assistance
- Placed 776 people into long-term supportive housing and 804 people into rapid rehousing
- Completed construction on the first access center – which operates as the front door to the county’s system of care – in Tigard
Clackamas County
Clackamas County SHS annual report highlights that SHS-funded programming:
- Moved 786 people into permanent housing
- 96.1% of people placed in permanent supportive housing were still housed 12 months later
- Helped 3,793 people avoid homelessness through eviction prevention assistance
- Opened Clackamas Village, a 24-pod village staffed to provide behavioral health support, wraparound services, recovery and permanent housing transition. With the opening of Clackamas Village, 238 shelter units in the county are now sustained with SHS funding.
County leaders highlight progress
“I'm proud of the work we've done with our partners to help the thousands of Oregonians receiving Supportive Housing Services,” Metro Council President Lynn Peterson said. “But the housing crisis is evolving, and the Metro Council is working to find reforms needed to adapt the Supportive Housing Services program to meet evolving needs. The Metro Council is committed to making the changes we need to make this program as effective as possible in addressing chronic homelessness and supporting economic recovery in greater Portland.”
“For the thousands served by the Supportive Housing Services measure in Multnomah County, this measure is the difference between a safe place to call home and having to live on the streets,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “We used SHS funding this last year to end homelessness for nearly 2,600 people and prevented more than 2,400 of our neighbors from becoming homeless in the first place – a significant accomplishment as we navigate funding challenges and abrupt changes in federal policy.”
“Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. With Supportive Housing Services, we’re turning that belief into action in Washington County by opening new shelters, launching our first purpose-built access center, and helping thousands avoid or end their homelessness,” Washington County Chair Kathryn Harrington said. “The need is growing, but so is our commitment to building a more effective and responsive system of care.”
“Since launching Supportive Housing Services in 2021, Clackamas County has strengthened an entire continuum of care that helps residents find stability and stay housed,” said Clackamas County Chair Craig Roberts. “From shelter and outreach to behavioral health supports and eviction prevention services, provider partners are helping people regain stability and move forward. We are grateful for their dedication and for the progress we are making together.”
All three full reports are available here on Metro’s website.
