How Trump Administration Has Impacted Homelessness in Portland, Oregon

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(Photo on left by Evan Vucci/AP Photo; photo on right by Levi Meir Clancy)

Portland, Oregon has been grappling with a substantial homelessness crisis for an extended period. Recent federal policy shifts under the Trump administration have introduced new challenges, influencing local strategies and resources. 

Federal Funding Cuts and Freezes

In February 2025, the Trump administration moved to cut approximately 84% of staff in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Community Planning and Development. This office is pivotal in distributing over $3.6 billion annually in homelessness assistance grants. This reduction has delayed critical grants to Portland-based nonprofits, slowing shelter expansions and outreach programs that serve our unhoused neighbors.

Local Budget Shortfalls and Service Constraints

Under the Trump administration there has been a major budget Shortfall in Homeless Services. Federal funding contributed to a projected $104 million budget gap for Multnomah County’s Homeless Services Department in fiscal year 2025–26. The major cuts could force the closure of existing shelters and reduce essential case management for those living on the streets.

Impact on Portland’s Homeless Population

Since late 2024, over a dozen large-scale encampment sweeps have taken place in Portland, displacing hundreds of people without guaranteed alternative shelter. On May 1, 2025, federal authorities carried out one of the largest evictions of a homeless community in Oregon history, clearing nearly 100 individuals from a forested encampment. This action has drawn criticism for displacing vulnerable populations, and many were left without transportation or shelter, exacerbating health risks and trauma among those affected.

Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson (OPB)

Caseworker Burnout and Layoffs

As demand for outreach surged and funding tightened, burnout rates among Multnomah County caseworkers have soared. In April 2025, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson proposed a 22% cut to the county's Homeless Services Department budget. This proposal includes the elimination of over 100 positions across various programs to address a $77 million shortfall. These cuts threaten the stability of programs that assist individuals in transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Remaining Staff report managing caseloads 30–40% above recommended levels, resulting in longer wait times for clients seeking housing referrals, healthcare connections, and benefits navigation.

Why It Matters

The Trump administration’s policies have significantly influenced on Portland’s already strained homelessness response system. From funding freezes and shelter delays to mass encampment evictions, the impacts are real and deeply felt by unhoused individuals and overworked caseworkers alike. Local efforts remain resilient, but sustainable progress will require both restored federal support and continued advocacy for humane, housing-first solutions.

Sources

Wilson, K. (2025, January 31). Portland Mayor Keith Wilson on homelessness and Oregon politics [Radio interview]. Oregon Public Broadcasting. https://www.opb.org/article/2025/01/31/think-out-loud-portland-mayor-keith-wilson-homelessness-oregon-politics/

Jung, M. (2025, February 22). Mass firings set for HUD office that funds homelessness programs. Oregon Public Broadcasting. https://www.opb.org/article/2025/02/22/mass-firings-set-for-hud-office-that-funds-homelessness-programs/

Jung, M. (2025, February 25). Helping homeless people find housing takes a toll on caseworkers. Oregon Public Broadcasting. https://www.opb.org/article/2025/02/25/helping-homeless-people-find-housing-takes-a-toll-on-caseworkers/

Jung, M. (2025, April 24). Multnomah County proposes cuts to homeless services in new budget. Oregon Public Broadcasting. https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/24/multnomah-county-homeless-services-budget/

Jung, M. (2025, April 25). Proposed cuts to programs and staff in Multnomah County budget plan. Oregon Public Broadcasting. https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/25/proposed-cuts-to-programs-and-staff-in-multnomah-county-budget-plan/

Axios Portland. (2025, March 13). Multnomah County’s Homeless Services Department faces a $104 million budget shortfall. Axios. https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-portland-e88effc0-d8e9-11ef-9f3f-73c95d3a1f11/

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