Methamphetamine, fentanyl driving record homeless deaths in 2023

Fentanyl and methamphetamine drove a record number of homeless deaths last year in Oregon's Multnomah County, home to Portland, according to an annual report released by regional officials Wednesday.

At least 315 homeless people died in 2022 in the Portland area, the report found. Nearly 40% of fatalities — 123 — were from drug overdoses. Methamphetamine contributed to 81% of overdose deaths, and fentanyl contributed to 74%.

Kaia Sand, executive director of Street Roots, a social justice nonprofit that also publishes a newspaper, has worked on the annual report for years. In the report, she wrote that this year's edition “demonstrates the devastating impact of fentanyl.”

The figures underlie the increased risk of death facing people who live outside, and it comes as homelessness in the U.S. this year jumped a dramatic 12% to its highest reported level.

The mortality risk for people experiencing homelessness compared with the general county population was nearly six times higher for all causes of death, the report found. For drug overdoses and homicide, it was 37 times higher and 32 times higher, respectively.

Homeless people, many of whom live near roadways, were also nearly 45 times more likely to die from a transportation-related injury than the general county population, according to the report. Fourteen people died of such a cause last year.

Among them was Angela Boyd, who was the victim of a hit-and-run in southeast Portland. Her brother, Jake Ausmes, attended Wednesday's news conference unveiling the report to pay her homage.

“It's awful,” he said, adding that he hopes new developments in the case will help it get “as much exposure as possible.” He said his family intends to offer a $2,500 reward to find the person responsible.