If change is able to happen in the care for the unhoused, how long would it take for the policies to be implemented? On her first day in office Govener Tina Kotek declared a homelessness state of emergency on January 10th 2023, implementing a list of protocols that could be active until January 2024 or longer. Jessica Pedersons enacted a 12 month, 14 million dollar plan called Housing Multnomah Now that intends to move hundreds of unhoused out of tents and into apartments. While plans like this can be beneficial they are structured in a way that can't fully cope with the intrinsic nature of homelessness.
There isn't a set, stagnant amount of unhoused people on the streets. According to a ECONorthwest report individuals can often move in and out of being considered unhoused while others might be on the streets for longer prolonged periods of time. New people become unhoused every day. A plan which looks to affect only a set number of people is geared to make a relatively small impact in the bigger scope of a constantly flexible and dynamic situation. Of course successes and positive changes made for one person is an incredible feat but one that can't answer the multitude of needs for an entire community.
Creator: Kristyna Wentz-Graff | Credit: OPB
Copyright: OPB
Even though there are set dates to the policies listed above these dates don't answer the bigger question of when tangible, noticeable differences will occur. According to ECONorthest both in LA and Portland the unhoused situation has its roots in and can only be resolved by the under built housing market being revamped. For Portland this would mean that the region would need to build around 14,700 units over the course of 20 years with special attention made to affordable units geared towards subletmental rental assistance. This type of timeline puts into perspective when noticeable changes might be able to occur. Public officials should still make small incremental steps towards addressing this issue, but at the same time expectations for what can be done need to be more transparent and realistic in order for continued public support.
Work cited:
ECOnorthwest report:
ECOnorthwest website:
https://econw.com/projects-collection/homelessness-in-pierce-county
Information on Housing Multnomah now project:
State of emergency declaration:
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