Homeless population in Clackamas County:

Last year the first attempt to count the homeless in the Clackamas area resulted in a count of  around 1500.  This year a more extensive effort was made by an increased amount of staff workers and volunteers canvassing the area, talking to people at transit malls, food banks and campsites.  This new preliminary count in Clackamas County is estimated to be 7,590.

39 % going to those who are homeless and living with friends or relatives.

Second, those living in cars and/or trailers and shelters.   The third highest number going to those living “on the streets.”  Around 900 being children.

Homeless population in Portland:

There are 2,220 people in shelters on any given night.  There are about 337 people turned away on any given night.  This does not include those that are out on the streets, or in cars that have not attempted to get into a shelter.

For example, on May 28, 2006, a random street count found 1,571 people sleeping outside.

*The January 18, 2006 Oregonian reported that 2,300 people sleep on Portland streets.

Facility capacity for homeless single adults; public and private:

Current inventory of beds:

Emergency shelter – 370 / 661 beds (year round / Winter shelter space)

Transitional housing – 670 beds

Permanent supportive housing – 775 beds

The average wait for a publicly funded shelter bed is between 6.6 to 8 weeks, and reached a high of 13 weeks for women.

Due to lack of funding, most shelters close down during the spring and summer months.  It is warm enough to sleep outside.  Those shelters that are open, only offer limited beds, while others operate on a lottery system.

Race / ethnicity of homeless population:

51% are White

19% are African Americans

18% are Hispanic / Latino

  3% are Native American

  1% are Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander

  2% are Asian

  2% are mixed

  4% are unknown

Reasons for homelessness:

26% low income

28% unemployed

31% drug and alcohol related

14% mental illness, criminal history

3% poor credit, poor rental history

Age groups:                    

12% are 18-23 years of age                                                             

50% are 24-44 years of age                                                             

27% are 45-54 years of age                                         

11% are over 55 years of age