New PSU-OHSU Research Maps the Intricate Journeys of Homeless Individuals in Multnomah County

A joint report issued by Portland State University’s Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative together with the OHSU‑PSU School of Public Health offers the most granular examination to date of how unhoused people navigate the system in Multnomah County.

Titled “Without…,” the study combines interview data, case files and on‑the‑ground observations to follow the daily choices, obstacles and coping mechanisms of participants as they pursue shelter, services and, ultimately, permanent housing. Researchers observed that these paths are seldom straightforward; many respondents move through a series of shelters, short‑term housing options and informal setups before attaining stable accommodation.

Principal findings underscore the impact of disjointed service networks, a shortage of affordable housing, and the interaction of health issues—especially mental‑health and substance‑use disorders—on each individual’s route. The analysis highlights that even when help exists, the timing, eligibility rules and bureaucratic red tape frequently postpone progress, pushing people back onto the streets or into couch‑surfing.

Placing the numbers in context, the authors point out that Multnomah County, which encompasses Portland, has long struggled with a housing‑affordability crisis and a growing unsheltered population. Recent county policy changes, such as boosted funding for low‑income housing and the expansion of outreach teams, are evaluated against the lived experiences recorded in the research.

By charting these trajectories, the report seeks to guide legislators, service agencies and advocates toward the most acute gaps. Its recommendations call for streamlined intake procedures, more coordinated case management, and the scaling up of rapid‑rehousing initiatives that can adapt swiftly to shifting client needs.

Although the data present a stark view of systemic pressure, the authors also cite instances of resilience and community backing that enabled some participants to exit homelessness. The study concludes that a more integrated, person‑focused strategy—one that acknowledges the fluid and often unpredictable character of homelessness—could enhance outcomes and break the cycle of repeated shelter use.