Joint Office of Homeless Services addresses $57M budget gap for FY 25

Multnomah County officials gathered on April 10, 2025, to address a significant budget gap impacting the Joint Office of Homeless Services, which has reached $57 million for the current fiscal year. The meeting focused on strategies to balance the budget while ensuring continued support for housing services in the community.

During the session, Dan Field, director of the homeless services department, emphasized the importance of managing resources effectively to fulfill the county's mission. He outlined the factors contributing to the budget shortfall, including overspending and lower-than-expected tax collections. Specifically, the department exceeded its spending goal by $26.5 million, while tax revenues fell short by $8.5 million, leading to a substantial reduction in carryover funds.

Antoinette Payne, finance manager for the Joint Office of Homeless Services, detailed the proposed mitigation strategies to address the budget gap. These include utilizing existing reserves, tapping into contingency funds, securing additional state funding for shelters, and identifying cost savings from current contracts and programs. The goal is to implement these strategies with minimal disruption to services.

One key aspect of the meeting was the approval of a $2.3 million increase in budget appropriation to support housing placements for 61 households. This funding, sourced from the Oregon Housing and Community Services Operation Support for Shelters grant, aims to connect clients in shelters to stable housing.

The discussions highlighted the county's commitment to addressing homelessness and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet community needs. As the board prepares for upcoming budget discussions for the next fiscal year, the focus remains on closing the current gap while planning for sustainable solutions moving forward.