Supportive housing services: Addressing homelessness in greater Portland

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Rising housing costs and stagnant wages have led to a housing crisis and increased homelessness. Thanks to voters, funds are now available to support housing access and stability for people across greater Portland.

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Common questions

Visit our FAQ for answers to come of the most commonly asked questions about the supportive housing services fund.

Common questions

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Learn more about affordable housing

Affordable housing bond

In November 2018, voters in greater Portland approved a measure that funds creation of nearly 4,000 new affordable homes – enough to house around 12,000 people across the Portland metro region. Learn how the affordable housing bond program partners with cities and counties to make this housing a reality.

Learn more about affordable housing

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Learn more about equitable housing

Equitable housing

Metro’s Equitable Housing Initiative convened local and national experts to research and coordinate on funding and investment solutions to the affordable housing crisis.

Learn more about equitable housing

In May 2020, voters in greater Portland approved Measure 26-210 to fund services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Thanks to voters, Metro now works with Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties to reduce homelessness through programs and services that help people find and keep safe and stable homes. These include:

Emergency services such as outreach and shelter
Placement into housing
Help paying rent (both emergency and long-term rent assistance)
Advocacy and case management
Services in the areas of mental health, physical health, language and culture needs, education, employment, addiction and recovery, tenant rights and others.

The fund also strengthens and expands the systems that deliver these services.

As the programming supported by the fund grows, community members can expect:

Thousands more people will be living in permanent housing each year
People of color will have better access to services that meet their needs, and will retain permanent housing at higher rates
Thousands of households will get help to avoid losing their homes in the first place
For most people who experience homelessness, it will be brief and only once
More services will be available in areas that have been underserved
Overall, fewer people will be living outside.

Goals for the 10-year fund are to connect 5,000 chronically homeless households with supportive housing and stabilize 10,000 households at risk of or experiencing homelessness in permanent housing. The counties' goals for each fiscal year can be found in their Annual Work Plans.

Wherever we come from, whoever we are, everyone deserves safe and stable housing.