PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The homeless population in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties surged by 61% over two years, according to new data.

The latest Point-In-Time Count, conducted by Portland State University’s Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative, shows there were 12,037 homeless individuals in the tri-county area on Jan. 22. This includes 940 unhoused people in Washington County and 568 unhoused people in Clackamas County, compared to 10,526 in Multnomah County.

During Portland City Council’s Homeless & Housing Committee meeting on Tuesday, PSU’s Dr. Marisa Zapata told councilors that the county estimates about 48% of its homeless population was entirely unsheltered — compared to those living in emergency shelters, transitional housing and “safe havens.”

The profe

See Full Page