The City of Portland and Multnomah County’s Homelessness Response System Action Plan recognizes this reality. Housing stability and economic stability go hand in hand. When wages don’t keep pace with rent, even a small disruption like a reduced work schedule, medical expense, or temporary job loss can push someone back into housing instability. Emergency rent support helps in the moment, but without pathways to quality jobs, the same households will need rent support over and over again.

People Want Housing—And They Need Income to Keep It
The Finding Home report, released by the Welcome Home Coalition, found that “91% of [the 650] respondents said they would move into housing if they could afford it”.

The report also emphasizes that lasting housing solutions require more than just rent support. It states, “System adjustments should be implemented to advance a region housing-focused strategy,” and recommends that policymakers “ensure people have the wraparound services and relationships they need to stay housed”.

Employment is central to that equation. In the same survey, 42% of respondents identified “help finding or keeping a job” as a support they need to remain housed, and workforce development came up repeatedly in community feedback and data walks.

Employment Turns Short‑Term Help into Long‑Term Stability
Worksystems coordinates the public workforce system in the Portland metro region, partnering with more than 35 community‑based organizations to help people access training, career pathways, and supportive employment services aligned with employer demand.

Our Economic Opportunity Programs (EOP) are designed specifically for people facing the highest barriers—including individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. EOP pairs career coaching and job placement with foundational supports like help with rent or utilities. Once basic needs are stabilized, the focus shifts to what keeps people housed: skills, credentials, and direct connections to employment.

The results are compelling. In the most recent program year, 1,600 participants were served: 81% of participants secured employment, earning average wages of $21 per hour.

Moving Forward: Solutions That Last
Workforce programs like EOP are foundational to economic mobility, housing stability, and community well-being. Integrating employment with housing services delivers permanent results, reducing reliance on public assistance. When housing services are paired with career coaching, training, and paid work experiences, support becomes a launchpad—not a revolving door.

These programs put people to work, increasing local spending and strengthening our region’s economy. As difficult budget decisions are being made at our City and County governments, now is the time to focus on programs that have proven results, and a proven return-on-investment.