Oregon ranks high as homelessness rises nationwide, federal report says

Published 5:59 pm Friday, December 27, 2024

A new report by federal officials says homelessness is on the rise nationwide, up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people. It’s the highest recorded since reporting began in 2007.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said Oregon has some of the highest levels of homelessness, with 48 out of 10,000 Oregonians are experiencing homelessness.

At 66%, Oregon is one of three states – including Hawaii and California – where more than two-thirds of the homeless are unsheltered. For example, sleeping in cars, parks or on the streets.

The report also notes that Oregon frequently reports the highest rate of unsheltered families in the nation, saying almost six in ten families experiencing homelessness did so outdoors last year. Additionally, the number of people in homeless families increased by 16% from the previous year.

KOIN 6 News is a news partner of the Portland Tribune. Their full story can be found at koin.com.