FORJournalism (FORJ), an Oregon nonprofit devoted to supporting journalism to thrive, released results today of a community test that analyzes public knowledge of homelessness. The pre-test was conducted from January to June 2025 as part of the Homelessness: Real Stories, Real Solutions 18-month journalism lab, which aims to dispel myths and stereotypes about homelessness in the region.
Of the 165 people who took the pre-test, 67% inaccurately estimated the two leading causes of homelessness in Central Oregon. Nearly 39% of community test-takers chose “Substance use in the home or substance use by the individual.”
According to data from the 2024 Central Oregon Point in Time Count, “Substance use in home” and “Substance use self” were cited as causes only 8.2% and 4.8% of the time, respectively. Based on survey responses during the Point in Time Count, 53% of 685 people experiencing homelessness cited “Unemployment” or “Couldn’t afford rent” as the cause of their houseless status.
“This pre-test demonstrates the importance of the Real Stories project in ensuring the community has accurate information about people experiencing homelessness,” said Jody Lawrence-Turner, editor of the Homelessness: Real Stories, Real Solutions project. “But we are encouraged to see that community members understand the magnitude of this critical issue. It is only through awareness and accurate understanding that our region can develop appropriate solutions.”
Results from the pre-test showed that most people who took the test received their news from social media, a venue where Real Stories has focused heavily to ensure accurate information reaches the public.
The results of the Real Stories pre-test also show that:
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Most respondents understood that many of the people experiencing homelessness have lived in Central Oregon for at least 10 years.
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Community members also had a clear idea that there is a shortage of shelter beds in Central Oregon and that more than 1,000 people experience homelessness in Central Oregon at a given time.
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About half of the respondents correctly estimated that at least 40% of people participate in the labor force while experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon.
All of the test questions were written based on information from the 2024 Central Oregon Point In Time Count, the Oregon Statewide Homelessness Report 2023 and the National Coalition for the Homeless.
Real Stories will continue producing in-depth reporting and multimedia storytelling through April 2026 and conclude with a post-test to track changes in community knowledge. Funded through a $190,000 grant from the Central Oregon Health Council, the project supports the goals of the Regional Health Improvement Plan and shines a light on the humanity behind homelessness, as well as the solutions needed to address it.
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About Homelessness: Real Stories, Real Solutions
This journalism lab exists to raise awareness, educate the public, and provide in-depth reporting on local and national housing challenges, homelessness, and policy solutions. We invite you to join us on a journey of dispelling myths and stereotypes about homelessness so that together we can manifest meaningful change for our neighbors in Central Oregon. Learn more at realstoriesrealsolutions.org.
About FORJ
FORJ was created to stem the tide of the decline of journalism in Oregon by providing tangible resources, training and tools that local publications need to thrive. FORJ is on the leading edge of journalism advocacy in America, providing tangible and innovative solutions that work. Learn more at forjournalism.org.
About the Central Oregon Health Council
The Central Oregon Health Council oversees the Regional Health Assessment for the region every five years and devises a Regional Health Improvement Plan to improve the health metrics of the tri-county area. The nonprofit facilitates collaboration and regional planning with area health providers, school districts, housing groups, public transportation, public officials, and community members to build an equitable and integrated health ecosystem. Learn more at www.cohealthcouncil.org.
