From KGW:

“The latest numbers are in. Portland’s homeless problem is worsening, despite tens and tens of millions dollars spent on the problem over the last five years.”

“The most recent count shows homelessness is up seven percent overall. There are now more than 1,700 people sleeping on the streets and about 1,000 more sleeping in shelters and low-rent or subsidized motels.”

Portland Housing Commissioner Nick Fish says, “the city must stay the course.”

“We know what the long-term solution is: homes with services for people that need it. It’s expensive but we get great outcomes and it’s humane, pragmatic and I think it’s the right thing to do.”

See also: A 10 Year Plan to end homelessness in the City of Portland and Multnomah County by 2015

From CBS, July 2009

“If you pay people not to work and tax them when they do, don’t be surprised if you get unemployment.” Milton Friedman