Multnomah County outlines urgent plan to tackle homelessness

During a recent government work session, Multnomah County officials discussed significant advancements in their homelessness response system, following the adoption of a three-year intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Portland. This agreement outlines shared governance, roles, and expectations aimed at addressing the urgent issue of homelessness in the community.

The board emphasized the need for a swift and effective response to increase the number of individuals transitioning from the streets into shelters and permanent housing. Key objectives include expanding shelter capacity, enhancing housing options, and improving coordination among various care systems, particularly in behavioral health and outreach services.

To ensure transparency and accountability, the IGA includes specific, measurable, and time-bound metrics, with publicly accessible dashboards to track progress. The board plans to meet quarterly with the city council to review achievements and discuss milestones, with a focus on a set of goals to be accomplished within the next 90 days.

Commissioner Brent Edwards introduced a draft resolution that aligns with the city's ordinance, aiming to clarify Multnomah County's expectations of the city regarding their contributions to the homelessness response system. The resolution seeks to affirm shared accountability and outline specific milestones for both parties.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of including the perspectives of all board members, especially those who were unable to attend the meeting. The board is committed to ensuring that any resolutions reflect the values of Multnomah County and the collaborative nature of the agreement with the City of Portland.

As part of the ongoing efforts, officials noted the critical need for the addition of 335 new shelter beds by September 30, 2024, to meet the community's growing demands. The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing homelessness and the collaborative approach necessary to achieve meaningful outcomes.