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What is the strongest predictor of homelessness?
(scroll to the bottom of the newsletter to see the answer)
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Supportive Housing Opening this Spring
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Several new housing developments are scheduled to open in the coming months, providing safety and stability for people living on the streets - with a particular focus on people classified as chronically homeless, and living with one or more disabilities.
 The Fairfield will provide 75 units (66 SROs and 9 studios) of permanent supportive housing (PSH), targeted to serve people experiencing or at risk of homelessness who request culturally specific services for BIPOC residents, with Urban League providing on-site services focused on peer support, mental health, housing retention and life skills.
The Hazel Ying Lee Aparments, a new multifamily construction project from Home Forward, will create 206 affordable rental units in Creston-Kenilworth, including 30 PSH units. Hazel Ying Lee was a Portland-born daughter of first generation Chinese American parents, who went on to become the first Chinese American woman to fly for the United States military during World War II. Lee graduated from the nearby Cleveland High School.
 Powellhurst Place is Northwest Housing Alternatives' (NHA) 65-unit new construction project in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood of outer Southeast Portland. Forty-six of the units will be two-bedroom apartments targeting families, and 12 units will be permanent supportive housing (PSH) for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Several other new developments are scheduled to open in the spring and summer, as the third year of Supportive Housing Services funding brings with it the completion of a number of projects that have been in the planning and development stages.
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Unprecedented Severe Weather Event
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 Our region recently experienced a winter storm that brought over a week of sub-freezing temperatures, ice and snow, posing significant dangers for people in Multnomah County — particularly people experiencing homelessness.
Throughout the winter storm, the County led a massive effort to provide life-saving shelter, supplies, and services to our community. That included opening emergency 24-hour shelters — 12 in total, serving 1,269 people at the peak.
Responding to severe weather emergencies is an effort led by the County's Office of Emergency Management, with nearly every County department — including the Joint Office — playing a role.
Between Jan. 9-19, the Joint Office enhanced its life-saving efforts by expanding its coordination of street outreach. Outreach workers engaged with and encouraged people to go to shelters, working with the County and 211Info to provide a total of 1284 rides.
Even when County leadership made the decision to close severe weather shelters, the Joint Office supported the County in opening three cold weather supply depots in the community over two days to replace damaged gear. The Joint Office also supported the opening of overflow beds across our shelter system, along with a 24-hour overflow shelter in Gresham.
People's lives depend on the County's emergency response to severe weather, and we are joined with every County department in continually improving our emergency response. Severe weather events also underscore the critical importance of the Joint Office's year-round work to shelter and permanently house people experiencing homelessness.
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Winter Weather: Donations and Volunteering
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 As cold temperatures and rainy weather descend into the streets, shelter & outreach providers in Multnomah County are requesting winter gear donations — for information on what to donate and where, visit the Volunteer/Donations page on 211info.org
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Supportive Housing Services Audit Findings
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The January 2024 Auditor's report is the second performance audit of the Supportive Housing Services (SHS) Measure by the Metro Auditor. It follows up on recommendations made in 2021 and provides updated analysis of the oversight structure and performance measurement system. The report found that Metro has made significant progress on the three recommendations in the May 2021 audit. One has been fully implemented and two are in process. This
The audit identified opportunities to strengthen oversight by reducing duplication in some areas, and more clearly assigning responsibility in others. Specifying how each role relates to others, and what timelines are needed to ensure timely alignment would enhance program oversight.
Read the full report and supporting documents.
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Janus Youth Program Recognized Nationally
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 Janus Youth Programs is one of four partner agencies (along with New Avenues for Youth, Outside In, and the Native American Youth and Family Center) funded by the Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS) to provide extensive integrated services for homeless youth. Janus provides outreach and crisis services, including a 24 hour Access Center, Crisis and Short Term Shelters, transitional living services and rent-supported housing for youth.
In the last fiscal year Janus made over 2,000 outreach contracts, 452 Access Center screenings, sheltered 426 youth and provided housing to 59 youth/young families. Bridge House transitional living program (started in 1984 as one of the first seven federally funded programs in the country) was cited by the Regional Federal Officer overseeing funding for runaway and homeless youth services as a unique model which needs to be replicated nationally. Bridge House's housing retention rate is consistently 85% or higher. These programs are made possible by committed and dedicated staff available 24-hours/day seven days/week. Without them, there would be no Janus and no programs to provide the crucial services that unhoused youth in our community need and deserve. |
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Upcoming Events and Meetings
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Attend one of our advisory board and committee meetings below to learn more about the committees and bodies that help guide the work of the Joint Office.
Community Budget Advisory Committee
Thursday, January 25th, 2024 ⋅ 4:00 – 6:00pm
Click here for Virtual Meeting
Continuum of Care Board
Thursday, February 15th, 2024 ⋅ 11:00am – 1:00pm
Click here for Virtual Meeting
Supportive Housing Services (SHS) Advisory Committee
Thursday, February 8th, 2023 ⋅ 3:00 – 4:30pm
Click here for Virtual Meeting
For more info on our advisory boards and committees, including meeting links, agendas and other materials, please visit https://johs.us/johs-community-advisory-bodies/
Please email johscommunityadvisory@multco.us for any questions.
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Resources for People Experiencing Homelessness
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Racial Justice & Equity Resources
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Joint Office of Homeless Services Work Opportunities
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Partner Organizations | Employment Opportunities
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