People line up outside of Union Gospel Mission for a free Thanksgiving meal in Portland, Ore., on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. "The Pathway's Study" by PSU's Homeless Research and Action Collaboration found 98% of those surveyed wanted housing.
Saskia Hatvany / OPB
“What is the most effective way to support people experiencing homelessness?” That’s the question a new report called “The Pathways Study” tries to answer. Researchers at the Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative at Portland State University surveyed more than 500 people who are or have been homeless. The study focused on what people experiencing homelessness say they need most and what programs and services are helping them survive–and for some, get housing.
Kathleen Conte is the lead investigator of the study, and Cassie Marusa is a member of the 17-person Lived Experience Committee that helped produce it. They join us to share more about the study and their recommendations as Portland continues to grapple with how to provide housing to those without it.
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