A new report from the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) reveals a significant decrease in crime in the areas surrounding two of the City’s overnight shelters, SAFES (30 SW 2nd Ave) and Moore Street Shelter (5325 N. Williams Ave), marking a promising indicator that well-managed shelter sites can contribute to community safety.The Strategic Services Division of Portland Police compared reported crime for approximately 6 months (July 16, 2024 – January 6, 2025) before the opening of the City of Portland overnight shelters to the same period (January 7, 2025 – June 30, 2025) immediately following the shelter opening.
According to the report, total crime around the SAFES shelterdropped 2.5% compared to the period before its opening. Notably, person crimes were down 17.5%, a far greater decrease than the 0.9% reduction citywide. Property crime in the area fell by 4.3%.
Portland Police noted that an uptick in society crimesaround SAFES was driven primarily by drug and weapons law violations. PPB explain that the recriminalization of drug possession in August 2024 likely contributed to this rise.
The Moore Street Shelter, located in a historically lower-crime area, showed even more encouraging results. Total crime in the vicinity of the Moore Shelter dropped 12.5%, including an 9.5% drop in person crimes and a 12.2% drop in property crimes. Society crimes fell by 50.0%.
“These findings support what we’ve long believed. Sheltering people indoors not only provides stability for our most vulnerable neighbors, but also helps create safer neighborhoods,” said Mayor Keith Wilson. “Portland is working hard to compassionately enhance community safety, and this report is proof that Portland is taking the right steps forward.”
North Precinct Commander Robert Simon, who oversees police operations in the area around the Moore Street Shelter, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “This progress is due in large part to the strong partnerships between Portland Police, Portland Solutions, Portland Street Response, and other community-based outreach teams. Their daily presence and connection to shelter participants play a critical role in building trust, identifying needs early, and reducing conflict.”
Skyler Brocker-Knapp, Director of Portland Solutions, added, “Outreach isn't just about connecting people to services, it is about building relationships. That visibility and consistency fosters trust not only with shelter participants, but also with neighbors and businesses. When people know someone is paying attention and cares, the entire community benefits.”
The City will continue to evaluate shelter-related impacts through regular public safety reports and will use the data to refine operational strategies and neighborhood outreach efforts.
Read the full report here:
Overnight Shelter Crime Statistics Report July 2025
Source: Portland Police