Multnomah County Faces $104 Million Homeless Services Shortfall

Multnomah County is facing a severe budget shortfall of $104 million for its homeless services department, which could lead to a 25% reduction in its budget and significant cuts to crucial programs. Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has called for immediate support from the Metro regional government and the State of Oregon to bridge this funding gap, highlighting that the county serves a substantial portion of the state’s homeless population. The shortfall is largely attributed to declines in tax revenues and the depletion of pandemic-era federal funds, alongside a projected 20% drop in revenue from the Supportive Housing Services Fund. If unresolved, the budget cuts could result in the closure of shelters, reduced rent assistance, and diminished services for those facing mental health and substance use challenges. Vega Pederson emphasized the need for regional cooperation to tackle the homelessness crisis effectively, stating that the health of the county's homeless services impacts the entire region. The situation is dire, with officials warning that failing to secure additional funding will exacerbate homelessness and suffering in the community.