Further Thoughts on the Spending on Homelessness in Multnomah County

Multnomah County’s Homeless Spending Far Exceeds Official Estimates

Recent reports reveal that homelessness spending in Multnomah County for FY2024 may be far higher than previously reported. While ECOnorthwest estimated $501 million in spending, the Portland Voice calculates a total closer to $838 million—rising to $978 million when factoring in affordable housing costs. Differences in methodology, including whether to count public safety, emergency healthcare, and behavioral health, explain much of the gap. With per-resident spending reaching as high as $1,229—over double that of New York City—the article raises pressing questions about how these funds are allocated and whether the current approach is cost-effective.