The Drug Crisis Within the Portland Homeless Community

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ASSISTANCE FOR HOMELESS STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION IN PORTLAND

Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB


Homelessness is never often a choice on chooses to experience. Often times, those who struggle with homelessness are struggling with mental health, drug addiction, abuse, etc. However, within Portland, OR, there is an ongoing drug crisis. In July 2022, the Central City Concern Clean Start Crews  ran an assessment of homeless camps in southeast Portland and detected around 1,900 campsites, with over 272 posing a greater health and safety risk. Among this, Oregon has the highest rate of meth usage in the entire nation, which easily affects a decent percentage of the homeless population. With overcrowding of psychiatric facilities, shelters, and Oregon hospitals, it has becoming increasingly difficult to battle the mental health and drug crisis. In fact, just between 2016 and 2020, meth usage in Oregon rose an astounding 75%. In addition, through a 2022 point-in time count of Homelessness in Oregon, it was found that 38.5% of people experiencing homelessness suffer from mental illness, 26% from physical disabilities, and 37.5% from substance abuse.

    Often times, those battling addiction on the streets often have little support and resources, making it difficult to overcome it. If you or anyone you may know is struggling with addiction, check out the resources below for some help. You are not alone. 


RESOURCES FOR ADDICTION IN OREGON:


Oregon Health Authority

OHSU Avel Gordly Center for Healing (503-494-4745)

VA Portland Health Care System (503-273-5058)

Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATP) (503-220_8262) or (360-696-4061)

Portland, Oregon and Multnomah County 24-hr Crisis and Referral (503-988-4888)

Clark County, WA, Crisis Line 24-hr Crisis and Referral (360-696-9560)

State of Oregon Addictions and Mental Health Services (503-945-5763)




By Halo Hoffmann 

Portland State University




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