Multnomah County, Oregon, has come under scrutiny for a new housing assistance policy that utilizes a points-based screening system, the Multnomah Services and Screening Tool (MSST), which began implementation in 2024. This policy prioritizes applicants based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity, raising significant concerns among critics who argue it overlooks traditional measures of need.

The county has rolled out this tool through its Coordinated Access process in an attempt to allocate limited housing resources more systematically. However, many are troubled by the fact that this new method awards extra points to individuals considered “over-represented” in the local homeless demographic. This includes non-white households and members of the “LGBTQIA2S+” community. For example, a transgender immigrant who speaks English as a second language can earn more priority than a woman with a young child who has endured homelessness for an extended period.

A report from the Washington Free Beacon has revealed details of the scoring rubric used by Multnomah County. According to the findings, points can be awarded for various factors tied to identity. Non-white, non-straight applicants can receive up to five points, while domestic violence survivors with young children can earn just four points. This disparity raises questions about fairness and who truly receives assistance when needed.

Moreover, the point system includes additional incentives for “interest in LGBTQ services” and “culturally specific services,” both of which appear to emphasize racial and sexual identity over urgent social needs. The county’s own FAQ about the system states its intention to prioritize “BIPOC households, LGBTQIA2S+, and people with disabilities.” Yet, critics argue that this focus discriminates against those who may not fit these specific categories, effectively creating a tiered system of assistance.

This approach has attracted the attention of the Department of Justice (DOJ), which is currently investigating the policy for potential violations of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Protection Clause. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon has made it clear that the DOJ is prepared to take legal action if the county does not alter these discriminatory practices. “We will sue if they don’t stop it. All Americans are entitled to equal protection of the laws,” she stated emphatically.

In response to the growing outcry, Multnomah County officials claim their goal is to address “systemic” disparities highlighted by homelessness statistics. They maintain that all programs remain open to applicants regardless of race or identity and assert compliance with relevant anti-discrimination laws. However, the funding of housing projects specifically reserved for non-white applicants paints a different picture, suggesting an inherent bias within the allocation process.

This controversial policy arrives at a time when Multnomah County faces one of the most severe homelessness crises in the nation, showing alarmingly high rates of homelessness and rising numbers of related fatalities. Ironically, despite the county’s efforts to prioritize certain demographics, data indicates that a majority of homeless individuals in the area are white. This disconnect further complicates the ongoing debate about the most effective and equitable way to allocate housing assistance.

Critics argue that in prioritizing applicants explicitly based on identity, Multnomah County may be missing the broader picture of homelessness, which must consider fundamental needs. Length of homelessness, vulnerability, and other practical issues often underpin the dire situations many families face, yet these traditional indicators seem sidelined under this new approach.

In sum, the Multnomah County housing policy emphasizes identity over urgency, creating a contentious and potentially ineffective framework for addressing homelessness. As the DOJ investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the county will alter its course in favor of a more equitable system that prioritizes immediate need above all else.