The Missing Homes: Why Portland’s Homelessness Crisis Started Decades Ago

 

Portland’s homelessness crisis is often discussed as a problem of mental illness, addiction, or personal failure, but those explanations focus on symptoms rather than causes. A deeper look suggests that today’s crisis may be the delayed result of housing that was never built decades ago.

For much of Portland’s history, affordable housing was not created through special programs or subsidies. It emerged naturally as homes aged and filtered down to the next generation of residents. This process depended on continuous housing construction across the city.

When construction slowed due to recessions, financing limits, and zoning constraints, the impact was not immediately visible. Over time, however, Portland lost an entire generation of modest, older housing that would normally support lower- and middle-income households.

As competition increased, pressure moved downward through the housing market. Lower-income residents were displaced first, and eventually the system ran out of slack entirely. Homelessness became visible not because people suddenly changed, but because housing scarcity exposed existing vulnerabilities.

Building housing today will not instantly solve Portland’s homelessness crisis, but it plays a critical role in preventing future gaps. Cities that make long-term progress allow more housing to be built, preserve older units, protect renters during transitions, and provide targeted support for those most at risk.

Homelessness in Portland is not a mystery. It is the echo of housing decisions made decades ago, and today’s choices will shape the city’s future for generations.

Video Link:  Why Portland’s Homelessness Crisis Started Decades Ago