Displaced and Overlooked: Portland’s Quiet Eviction Crisis

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Portland is facing a serious housing problem. Rent keeps going up, but many people’s paychecks have not changed. Because of this, more people are being evicted from their homes. From June 2024 to June 2025, more than 11,800 evictions were filed in Multnomah County. Most of them over 90% were because people couldn’t pay their rent.

These are not bad tenants. These are families and individuals who are struggling to keep up with the cost of living.



Most Renters Don’t Know the Law 

When people go to eviction court, most of them are alone. Only 15% of tenants had a lawyer in the past year. But almost all landlords have legal help. This makes it very hard for tenants to win their cases. Most of the time, they lose because they don’t know what to say or do in court.

The Oregon Law Center says that renters with a lawyer are much more likely to stay in their homes or get more time to move. But there are not enough lawyers to help everyone, and many people don’t know these services exist.


Getting Evicted Can Hurt for a Long Time

Losing your home is a big deal. After an eviction, it’s harder to find a new place to rent. It can also hurt your credit, cause stress, and lead to job loss. In some cases, it can lead to homelessness.

In Portland, many people live paycheck to paycheck. A small emergency, like a car breaking down or a hospital bill can cause someone to fall behind on rent. Communities of color are hit the hardest by this crisis.


Places That Can Help

If you or someone you know is at risk of eviction, here are some places in Portland that can help:

  • Oregon Law Center – Portland Office
    Free legal help for low-income renters
    Website: https://oregonlawcenter.org
    Phone: (503) 640-4115

  • Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT)
    Helps renters know their rights and offers support
    Website: https://www.oregoncat.org
    Renters’ Rights Hotline: (503) 288-0130

  • Portland Housing Bureau – Rental Services Office
    Offers information about renter protections and help
    Website: https://www.portland.gov/phb/rso

  • 211info
    Find rent help, shelters, or food programs
    Website: https://www.211info.org
    Phone: Dial 211

Evictions are not just about money. They are about people losing their homes, jobs, and peace of mind. In Portland, many renters are being pushed out silently. We need to make sure people have access to help and fair treatment. Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to live.


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