Main Issues

Homelessness in Portland is not just a housing issue—it's a dire human crisis rooted in trauma, instability, and systemic neglect. Many of the hardest aspects of being unhoused go beyond what the eye can see. Below are four core issues that shed light on the day-to-day realities of life without shelter.

The Exhaustion of Survival

Loss of Identity and Dignity

Systemic Barriers to Shelter and Stability

Mental Health and Substance Use

The Exhaustion of Survival

Living without stable shelter means being in constant motion — moving from place to place, trying to stay safe, warm, and fed. This daily grind takes a heavy toll, physically and emotionally.

Loss of Identity and Dignity

Homelessness doesn’t just take your home — it often takes your sense of self. Many report feeling invisible, dehumanized, or forgotten by society.

Systemic Barriers to Shelter and Stability

Accessing temporary shelter in Portland is far more difficult than it should be. Many people face confusing processes, long waitlists, and inconsistent entry pathways. These systemic barriers keep vulnerable individuals unhoused for longer and at greater risk.

Mental Health and Substance Use

Many people living on the streets also live with untreated trauma, mental illness, or substance use disorders, but the services available are fragmented, stigmatized, or inaccessible.