Interesting, that the HUD data (Point-in-Time count), indicates declines across the board over the last decade for homelessness, yet, most journalism indicates

Interesting, that the HUD data (Point-in-Time count), indicates declines across the board over the last decade for homelessness, yet, most journalism indicates the exact opposite: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45442596 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45442596 And, yet, for Portland (mentioned in the BBC article), the data suggests that the "problem people", the chronically homeless, unsheltered population went up by ... 42 (.006% of the overall population): https://static1.squarespace.com/static/566631e8c21b864679fff4de/t/59ee2e7a5ffd207c6e7b41a0/1508781707710/PSU+2017+Point-In-Time_FINAL_%28Interactive%29+%281%29+%281%29.pdf https://static1.squarespace.com/static/566631e8c21b864679fff... I'd admit my _impressions_ (again, not significant suggestions, I was asking questions) have been biased by journalism, and, journalists probably find the HUD data inconvenient for telling their stories. But, I do not appear to be alone, and there are very powerful people pushing the negative narrative. Last year the PPA (Portland police union) also referred to the city as a "cesspool", which sure seems to fit with the overall theme of "homelessness getting worse": https://www.facebook.com/PortlandPoliceAssociation/photos/a.386709091352814.95949.306696819354042/2058045217552518/?type=3&theater https://www.facebook.com/PortlandPoliceAssociation/photos/a.... I'd also point out that my suspicions and questions were also on the minds of other national organizations: https://endhomelessness.org/ending-homelessness/solutions/ https://endhomelessness.org/ending-homelessness/solutions/ We appear to have a massive disconnect in the narrative presented by journalists, politicians, and at least the HUD.