Overview of Homelessness Services

There is complexity within the system of homelessness services; this set of pages is intended to provide basic definitions and an entry point to this area.

Homelessness is the product of multiple societal system failures. That means preventing, responding to, and resolving homelessness requires people to work across multiple systems and bodies of knowledge. The core set of activities makeup the homeless service system are described here. This set of pages is intended to provide basic definitions and an entry point to this area.

The central operating point of the homeless system has been the geographic area’s continuum of care. CoCs are structures that HUD created to encourage better collaboration between and coordination of the homeless service providers in a place. CoCs can be embedded in local governments (such as counties) or be stand-alone non-profits.

HUD routes the majority of its homeless service funding through the CoC. The CoC then funds service providers, housing developers, and landlords to provide housing, and services to people experiencing homelessness. Other federal and local funding also supports homeless response in jurisdictions. That funding may be administered by the CoC or other entities such as the local public housing authority. 

In the Portland tri-county region, there are three CoCs. One is housed within each county. In Multnomah County the CoC operates in the Homeless Services Department (previously known as the Joint Office of Homeless Services). 

Governments, organizations, and people working in homeless services are likely in touch with a myriad of government departments, organizations, and people whose work includes supporting people experiencing homelessness. For instance, a caseworker employed at a homeless service provider may contact someone who handles Medicaid enrollment on behalf of a client.