Portland study maps journeys through homelessness
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Researchers at Portland State University and OHSU-PSU School of Public Health released a report detailing how people experience homelessness in Multnomah County, Oregon.
The study combined surveys of 541 unhoused individuals with 29 in-depth interviews to understand the challenges people face when trying to find and maintain housing. Results showed 98% of people experiencing homelessness want permanent housing, but many encounter obstacles like bureaucratic delays and a lack of coordinated services.
The research team worked with the Transformational Research for Equity and Experience in Shelter (TREES) committee, a group of people with direct experience of homelessness, to gain an insider’s perspective. They found that many people experienced “hidden homelessness” like couch surfing or living in vehicles before becoming unsheltered, and bereavement was a contributing factor for over 30% of participants.
The report identified a pattern of people getting stuck in “the churn,” where they repeatedly attempt to access housing but are hindered by systemic issues. Participants stressed the importance of supportive relationships and timely assistance, noting that successful transitions from homelessness often felt like chance occurrences rather than predictable outcomes. To improve the situation, the study recommends expanding affordable housing options, prioritizing prevention efforts, and integrating the lived experience of unhoused individuals into policy and program development.
