Portland's Unhoused Population Faces Freezing Conditions as Warming Shelters Close

Multnomah County closed all overnight warming shelters, forcing an estimated 1,200 unhoused Portlanders to seek shelter elsewhere amid wet, windy, and icy conditions, leading to worry and frustration among advocates and nonprofit leaders. County officials defended their decision based on weather forecasts, but advocates argue for more flexible guidelines to address dangerous conditions. The closure has raised concerns about the safety of unhoused individuals, with reports of a hypothermia-related death and increased risks of tent fires. Advocates are calling for low-barrier shelters to be open year-round to address emergency situations and prevent further tragedies.