Homeless Shelters in Portland
With winter comes colder weather and increased exposure to the elements, which are life-threatening conditions to someone experiencing homelessness. Here’s information on where people can find shelter.
With winter comes colder weather and increased exposure to the elements, which are life-threatening conditions to someone experiencing homelessness. Here’s information on where people can find shelter.
Winter shelters are open 24/7 late fall to early spring. Individuals must make a reservation for a shelter bed by calling 211.
Severe weather shelters are open day by day as conditions dictate. On nights when severe weather is declared the beds will be walkup, and no-turn-away. Transportation to the shelters will also be provided.
Multnomah County together with the City of Portland will open additional shelters across the county as the need dictates to meet its no-turn-away commitment.
Can people stay for an extended period of time or do they need to sign up each night? All year-round and all-winter shelters let individuals have a space until it is no longer needed. No one will have to sign up night or night to hope they get in. Severe weather shelters are a bit different, in that they open day by day as conditions dictate.
Can people stay during the day or must they leave in the morning? During the winter, all of our year-round and all-winter shelters are open 24/7. No one should have to line up at night to come back in, nor will they have to leave in the morning if they would not like to.
Can people seeking shelter bring their belongings and pets? Pets and personal belongings are very welcome at the shelters.
Do people have to be sober to stay at a shelter? Except for a few legacy shelters, people who need shelter do not have to be sober or be part of a particular program to stay.
Are there spots available for couples? Yes, there are spots for couples throughout the shelter system.
Information about Multnomah County’s winter and severe weather shelters was provided by Denis Theriault, Communications Coordinator, Multnomah County, A Home for Everyone, and Joint Office of Homeless Services.
Multnomah County provides shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness in Portland. All year-round homeless shelters are referral/reservation-based.
In addition to the county shelters, there are private homeless shelters located throughout Portland. The majority of them require individuals to stand in line, register or get a referral.
Information about additional shelters and other services in Portland can be found at streetroots.org.