949-1-2024

The City of Portland ordains.

Section 1. The Council finds:

1. The United States, the state of Oregon, the City of Portland, and Multnomah County are all experiencing a homelessness crisis, primarily caused by a severe shortage of affordable housing. Those suffering from homelessness often face numerous barriers to obtaining the services and resources they need to find stability. 
2. The population experiencing homelessness are amongst the most vulnerable residents of Portland. Multnomah County has recently begun collecting more robust, real-time data on homelessness, allowing them to develop a more complete by-name count. The Homelessness Response Action Plan identified 11,153 people of January 2024 who were experiencing all forms of literal homelessness in Multnomah County, including 5,398 confirmed as unsheltered, 2,593 in a publicly-funded shelter, 604 occupying temporary non-government funded shelters, and an additional 2,558 people whose housing status could not be confirmed.
3. In November 2018, voters in the Portland Metro region approved measure No 26-199, which has directed over $211 million to the Portland Housing Bureau for the creation of over 1,787 affordable units including 311 units of permanent supportive housing (PSH). The final units funded by the Metro Bond are anticipated to open in the next three years.
4.  In May 2020, Portland Metro voters approved measure 26-210 authorizing a combined income tax and business tax designed to raise $248 million per year to fund supportive housing services in Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah counties. To date, this has generated significant resources that have allowed Multnomah County to increase investments in shelters, rapid rehousing programs, eviction prevention, and other strategies to address the homelessness crisis. These investments are anticipated to continue until at least 2030 when the tax measure is currently set to expire.
5. Multnomah County and the City of Portland have determined that continuing their coordinated development and delivery of services supporting and otherwise geared to individuals struggling with homelessness and housing insecurity, as well as substance use and behavioral health issues, will improve the delivery of services and enhance outcomes for those receiving such services and for the region as a whole. 
6. Permanent supportive housing is an effective strategy for helping individuals experiencing chronic homelessness find stable housing. Many of these individuals face complex challenges, such as mental health issues, substance use disorders, and chronic physical health problems, in addition to their history of long-term homelessness. The Housing Bureau’s PSH program partners with Multnomah County’s Joint Office of Homeless Services to create permanently affordable housing, offer comprehensive tenancy support services, and provide project-based rental assistance. These services aim to support the most vulnerable members of the community in achieving long-term housing stability. PSH is essential for individuals who may struggle to maintain stable housing without assistance, and for those who need housing to successfully engage with services that promote recovery, health, and overall well-being.
7. With this funding, the Portland Housing Bureau will hire a staff position dedicated to maintaining and administering its PSH program. 

NOW, THEREFORE, The Council directs:

1. The Portland Housing Bureau Director is hereby authorized to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Multnomah County for $162,700, substantially in accordance with the form attached as Exhibit A.
2. The Portland Housing Bureau Director is hereby authorized to fund a 2-year limited term staff position to coordinate its PSH program.

Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists because the program funds must be obligated within required timeframes; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by Council.