Imagine losing the one place that keeps you safe, warm, and connected—especially when the cold bites hardest. That’s the stark reality facing dozens of homeless individuals in Portland as Multnomah County prepares to close two vital shelters by the end of March. The Market Street and Wy'East shelters, which have been lifelines for many, are set to shutter, leaving residents grappling with uncertainty and fear. But here’s where it gets even more complicated: the county isn’t closing these shelters due to poor performance—it’s a matter of shifting priorities and expiring leases. The funds previously allocated to these shelters will now be redirected toward supportive housing, a move that, while well-intentioned, raises critical questions about immediate needs versus long-term solutions.
Last spring, during the budget process, these shelters were on the chopping block, but the board opted to extend their funding through March. Commissioner Shannon Singleton’s amendment, unanimously approved, bought them a few more months. Yet, for those who call these shelters home, the extension feels like a temporary bandage on a gaping wound. Residents like Jesse, who’s been homeless for five years, and Crystal, who lost her home in a fire, aren’t just losing a bed—they’re losing a community. “This shelter has been a blessing,” Jesse shared, his voice heavy with gratitude and worry. “I’ve got a place to sleep, instead of my wheelchair.” Crystal, whose husband is hospitalized, added, “If we didn’t have this place, we wouldn’t have anywhere to go.”
And this is the part most people miss: these shelters aren’t just roofs over heads—they’re 24/7 safe havens where residents can store their belongings, build trust, and foster a sense of belonging. The Market Street shelter, with its 120 beds, and Wy'East, catering to 90 veterans, have been more than just shelters; they’ve been lifelines. Alicia Hovanas, COO of Sunstone Way, the nonprofit operating Market Street, acknowledged the bittersweet reality: “We’ve always known we couldn’t stay in this building forever, but this is a really big loss for the community.”
But here’s the controversial part: is shifting funds to supportive housing the right move when immediate shelter needs are so dire? While permanent housing is undoubtedly a goal, the lack of financial resources at both the city and county levels means more people could end up back on the streets. “No telling what might happen,” Jesse said, his voice trembling with uncertainty. Staff at Market Street are scrambling to find alternative shelter options, and the city is fast-tracking overnight emergency beds. But for residents like Lea Morrisey, it’s not enough. “I’d like to see them put money into keeping this shelter open longer instead of new ones,” she said.
The Wy'East shelter, located off Southeast 122nd, faces a similar fate. Serving veterans, its closure feels like a double blow to a population that’s already sacrificed so much. County officials insist they’re working with both shelters to ease the transition, but the question remains: how many will slip through the cracks?
Sunstone Way has been tapped to run Mayor Keith Wilson’s new overnight shelter in East Portland, a move Hovanas calls “exciting.” Yet, she admits, “It’s really ideal to have a 24-hour shelter instead of just an overnight one.” The new shelter is expected to open before March, but its capacity and impact remain unclear.
So, here’s the question we must ask: Are we trading one crisis for another? While supportive housing is a noble goal, does it justify leaving vulnerable individuals without immediate shelter? And what does this say about our priorities as a community? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of how we address homelessness.
