Homeless Services Department

Homeless Services Department We help people move out of homelessness into safe, affordable, and accessible housing.

We help people move out of homelessness into safe, affordable, and accessible housing by working with community and government partners to provide coordinated, participant-driven, equitable services for those experiencing
or at risk of homelessness. We work with community organizations and government entities to provide coordinated, participant-driven, equitable services for those experiencing or

at risk of homelessness. Services include housing, street outreach, shelter, and support for families, adult, veterans, domestic violence survivors and youth. We are responsible for overseeing the development and operations of the shelter system, and leading the County’s implementation of the Metro Supportive Housing Services Measure of 2020 and of the Homelessness Response Action Plan of 2024. We also involve community stakeholders in developing policies and programs to help address and solve homelessness in our community.

06/15/2026

📣 SHARE: In addition to dozens of libraries, misting stations, community centers and other cool spaces already open in Multnomah County, two cooling centers will open from noon to 9 PM today, Monday, June 15:

📍Multnomah County East Building, 600 NE 8th St, Gresham, operated by Cultivate Initiatives

📍Bud Clark Commons, 650 NW Irving St., Portland, operated by Transition Projects

The cooling centers opening today will provide food and water. Pets are welcome.

TriMet will not turn away anyone who is traveling to and from a cooling center who is unable to pay fare between 11 AM and 10 PM today (Monday, June 15). Please tell your bus operator that you're heading to or from a cooling center.

Four Multnomah County Libraries will stay open until 8 PM tonight, Monday, June 15 — two hours longer than their usual schedule:

✅ Albina Library, 205 NE Russell St, Portland
✅ Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave, Portland
✅ East County Library, 475 NW Division St, Gresham
✅ Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland

--Resources to stay cool and connected--

🗺️ Interactive Cooling Map (libraries, pools, splash pads, community centers and more) 🔗 link.multco.us/interactive-map-cool-spaces

🍽️ Meals on Wheels People Dining Centers 🔗 mowp.org/what-we-do/dining-centers Always check hours/locations before you go.

📞 Aging, Disability and Resource Connection (ADRC) Helpline (local senior center info & other resources): 503-988-3646

06/15/2026

📣 Extreme heat can affect anyone, but knowing who is most at risk — and how to spot the signs — is vital.

🧑‍🧒 Those at high risk include:
▪️Older adults, especially men over 50 who live alone
▪️People without access to air conditioning
▪️People engaging in strenuous or outdoor recreational activities (especially children on turf fields)
▪️Pregnant people
▪️People who work in hot indoor or outdoor environments
▪️People taking certain medications or who have consumed alcohol

⚠️ Watch for signs of heat illness including:
▪️Heavy sweating
▪️Extreme weakness
▪️Dizziness
▪️Nausea, vomiting
▪️Rapid heartbeat
▪️Shallow or rapid breathing

🛑 What to do:
▪️Remove excess clothing
▪️Rest in a cool area
▪️Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
▪️Drink plenty of fluids

Find heat safety and first aid guides at: multco.us/info/heat-illness-and-first-aid

Out now: The HSD Monthly newsletter! Catch up on the latest work from the Homeless Services Department. This edition fea...
05/20/2026

Out now: The HSD Monthly newsletter! Catch up on the latest work from the Homeless Services Department. This edition features updates from across our system, including:

📘 The HSD Outreach Manual: The official release of a comprehensive resource establishing systemwide professional standards and a strategic framework for outreach.

📈 Q3 Supportive Housing Services Report Data: A look at our latest quarterly performance data, highlighting where our system is meeting and exceeding annual service targets.

📸 Harrison Community Village: A first look at photos from the recent "sneak peek" of this new community site in Montavilla.

Read the full newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/multco/hsd-monthly-may-2026-edition

Data is essential. Lived experience is foundational. How do we ensure our systems truly meet the needs of those they ser...
04/16/2026

Data is essential. Lived experience is foundational. How do we ensure our systems truly meet the needs of those they serve? By keeping community voices at the center of our work.

HSD is proud to announce the release of the first of a two-part "Pathways" study, a collaborative research project with the PSU Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative. Throughout 2025, the research team—including an independent lived experience research committee—surveyed 541 neighbors experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County to better understand their daily challenges and housing goals. By centering these voices, we are better equipped to refine our decision-making and advocate for the permanent housing solutions our community is asking for.

📖 Read more in our April Newsletter or at the link in our bio to access the full report and the PSU press release!

Yesterday, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners appointed Nathaniel VerGow as the new Director of the Homeless Se...
04/10/2026

Yesterday, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners appointed Nathaniel VerGow as the new Director of the Homeless Services Department. Nathaniel was selected following a comprehensive, national search and joins us with years of experience leading complex homelessness response systems in Los Angeles. He will officially step into his new role in May, and we are incredibly excited to have his expertise and leadership on the team as we continue our vital work to support our community.

We’re looking forward to this next chapter and are so glad to have Nathaniel leading the way. Welcome to the team—and to the Northwest—Director VerGow! 🌲🏠✨

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Portland, OR
97214

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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