Community Experiences at the Intersection of Housing Instability and Substance Use in Oregon

Citation: Allmendinger, A., Cioffi, C., Weaver, J., & Yandel, R. (2024). Community Experiences at the Intersection of Housing Instability and Substance Use in Oregon. University of Oregon.

Housing instability and substance use often overlap—but people navigating both are frequently excluded from systems of care. This report centers the voices and experiences of Oregonians facing these challenges, with insights that point to gaps and opportunities in current responses.

What You’ll Learn in This Blog

• How stigma and structural barriers affect people who use drugs and are unhoused

• What community members report about healthcare, shelter, and safety

• Policy considerations that center dignity, stability, and access

Key Findings

• Mistreatment is common: Participants described being stared at, ignored, and having personal belongings stolen in public settings like clinics.

• Access is limited: Many faced major barriers to shelter and support—especially due to policies that criminalize survival behaviors.

• Housing instability increases harm: Unhoused individuals face higher risks of overdose, violence, and disrupted care.

• People know what they need: Community voices point to the need for stable housing, nonjudgmental support, and consistent access to services.

Moving Forward

The report reinforces what people with lived experience have long said: housing is healthcare. Public health, housing, and substance use systems must work together to reduce harm and improve outcomes.

See the infographic for a visual summary of community insights and recommendations.