Oregon homeless population increases 6 percent

PORTLAND – A survey of Oregon’s homeless population shows the number of people living on the streets or in a shelter has jumped by 6 percent from two years ago.

Oregon Housing and Community Services released the numbers Tuesday, saying the count that took place in January found 13,953 people without a place to live. That’s 777 more people compared to the last count in January 2015.

Despite the increase, the number of homeless veterans declined by 9 percent. Gov. Kate Brown says that’s encouraging, but more needs to be done for children, families and seniors.

Multnomah County, which includes Portland, had the most homeless people – 4,177. Nearly half reported having a serious mental illness.

The only other counties with more than 1,000 homeless people are Lane, which includes Eugene, and Marion, where Salem is located.