Mayor Keith Wilson’s proposed budget adds $25 million more to Portland’s shelter system — bringing the city total spending upwards of $80 million. But here’s the problem: only one in five people exiting shelters in Multnomah County moved into permanent housing in 2024, (“Coalition of homeless service providers blasts Portland, Multnomah County shelter budgets,” May 7).

In other words, we’re investing heavily in a system that keeps people unhoused. While shelter needs to be a part of the system, there must be more investments in pathways out.

The Welcome Home Coalition recently surveyed 429 people currently or recently experiencing homelessness. Respondents rated shelters as no better than sleeping in a tent or car. That should be a wake-up call.

If we truly want to reduce homelessness, we must invest in what works: rent assistance, eviction prevention, support services like case management and mental health and addiction treatment. In Wisconsin, the city of Milwaukee cut unsheltered homelessness by 92% in five years using these evidence-based strategies.

Portland has the opportunity to shift course before this budget is finalized. Let’s spend more of our dollars on housing — not just managing and prolonging crisis.

Molly Hogan, Portland

Hogan is executive director of the Welcome Home Coalition

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