Homelessness in Oregon
In 2016, a report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) revealed that the U.S. state of Oregon had an estimated homeless population of 13,238 with about 60.5% of these people still unsheltered.[1] In 2017, these numbers were even higher. As of January 2017, Oregon has an estimated 13,953 individuals experiencing homelessness. Of this homeless population, 1,083 are family households, 1,251 are veterans, 1,462 are unaccompanied young adults (aged 18–24), and 3,387 are individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.[2] As of 2022, 17,959 people total experienced homelessness in Oregon, with 2,157 individuals being youth under 18, 6,671 being female, 10,931 being male, and 131 being transgender. Also among the 17,959 total homeless in 2022, 15,876 were Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino, 2,083 were Hispanic/Latino, 13,960 were white, 1,172 were Black, African American, or African, 101 were Asian or Asian American, 880 were Native American, and those of multiple race were 1,619. Oregon has seen an increase in its total homeless population consistently every year since 2010. In last three years specifically Oregon has seen a 98.5% increase 2021-2022, 22.5% increase 2020-2021, and a 13.1% increase 2019-2020.[3]
Homeless people have found themselves unwelcome near businesses in Portland.[4] Some of the complaints given are that homeless people 'scare customers away'; 'are too noisy'; and that 'they block the way'.[5][6] A city ordinance called 'sidewalk obstruction ordinance' was an ordinance which homeless advocates complained "criminalizes homelessness".[4] This was however, quashed by a judge's decision in 2009.[4] This decision left the police and business owners with disorderly conduct which the police chief said comes with the difficulty of proving intent and finding witnesses.[4]
Deschutes County[edit]
Deschutes County, Oregon is currently experiencing a large population growth. As of 2022, there are roughly 1,286 homeless people in Deschutes county. This is a 17% increase from 2021. The Emergency Houselessness Task Force has developed a crisis plan in hope to decrease these numbers.[23][24]
Between 2013 and February 2019, the police department has seen a 60% increase in "unwanted person" complaints.[25] Homeless represent 3% of population while representing 52% of arrests.[26]