Portland, Multnomah County release ambitious homelessness plan [Video]

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson this week released their final version of a joint plan that aims to cut homelessness in half by the end of next year.

It includes an aggressive two-year plan to expand shelter and behavioral health beds, access to affordable housing and strategies to the end the flow into homelessness from people who are exiting corrections, foster care or mental health and substance use treatment. 

Some of the key goals of the plan include getting an additional 2,699 people out of homelessness and into a shelter or home by December 31, 2025, and adding 1,000 new shelter beds.

“Maybe they won’t hit every target,” said Scott Kerman, executive director of Blanchet House. “But if we are working towards and making significant progress, then we are going to see a lot of positive change in …