Different Types of Shelters

     Alternatives to the “traditional” shelter style have been built in Portland and other cities over the pas
t few years. Originally a response to Covid pressure during the pandemic they have continued as a quick way to add additional space. The research on these shelters show that they can be built faster, less expensive, are more desirable and better at moving people out of homelessness than congregate shelters. Interviews with people in the program providing these shelters were conducted and information on outcomes were collected from the existing data collecting system.

    Due to various complex needs of different populations the cost of serving these populations will vary. The ability of these shelters to take advantage of various sites allows for low or no cost site lease. Motel shelters begin operations quickly. Villages have a per-unit cost lower than other shelters if on free land without maintenance of the pods included. Over the lifetime of the project costs are similar to other shelters or higher. Despite different levels of staffing it is not the main reason for cost differences. Rent subsidies and shelter space cost roughly the same depending on the circumstances. Rent subsidies help move people out of homelessness whereas those in shelters are still homeless. Here is a chart of capital and operating costs per unit for different shelter types.

In the interviews it was stated that alternative shelters “offered greater privacy, autonomy, safety, and connection to peers and staff than congregate shelters, due in part to their smaller size and private units.” This is backed up by other studies that showed a preference for motel shelters over congregate shelters. Though location and feelings of safety and belonging played an important role too. Congregate shelters had the least success in placing people or keeping them sheltered. Likely due to the short stays allowing less time for building trust and making referrals. Alternative shelters serviced more BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) clients placing more BIPOC clients into housing than white clients, but also exited more BIPOC clients into unsheltered homelessness than white clients. Villages had both a higher rate of transition to transitional or permanent housing and of returning clients to unsheltered homelessness than other alternative types. Here is a chart of the outcomes for people at each type of shelter.

Depending on the situation and clients each type of shelter can be useful in helping those in homelessness, as such taking into consideration the needs of those being served as well as the wider community is important. Like other regions Oregon has elevated levels of homelessness due to high prices and limited vacancies. Here is a chart showing how people arrive at shelters (left), the shelter they are placed in (middle), and how they leave the shelter (right).

More information on this topic can be found here:

Alternative Shelter Evaluation Report (pdx.edu)