Auditor: Homeless Services wasted money on dangerous housing

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An investigation report from Portland’s city auditor says the Joint Office of Homeless Services is mostly to blame for allowing formerly homeless veterans languish for over a year in moldy, expensive housing units. Oregon Public Broadcasting reports the auditor’s investigation report says the agency spent over $850,000 to house the veterans before the city condemned the 32-unit property last year. The Joint Office of Homeless Services oversees homeless services across Multnomah County in a partnership between the county and Portland city governments. Joint Office head Shannon Singleton in a statement indicated she felt that the auditors’ concerns were overblown and accused the office of “inaccurate statements and inflammatory language.”