LA Homeless Services Leader Named Multnomah County Director

Nathaniel VerGow to lead Portland-area homeless services efforts

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:45pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph of a city street at night, with blurred streetlights and silhouettes of people walking, conveying a sense of urban isolation and the challenges of homelessness through a warm, muted color palette.The appointment of an experienced homeless services leader from Los Angeles signals Multnomah County's commitment to tackling the growing crisis with new strategies and resources.Los Angeles Today

Nathaniel VerGow, a veteran of the Los Angeles County Homeless Services Authority, has been appointed as the new director of the Multnomah County Homeless Services Department in Oregon. The county announced VerGow's hiring on Thursday, citing his extensive experience in addressing homelessness in a major urban area.

Why it matters

Multnomah County, home to Portland, has struggled with rising homelessness in recent years, and the appointment of an experienced leader from a large city like Los Angeles is seen as a positive step in addressing the issue. VerGow's background in coordinating homeless services at a regional level is expected to bring new strategies and resources to the Portland area.

The details

VerGow has served in various leadership roles at the Los Angeles County Homeless Services Authority for the past 15 years, overseeing the coordination of outreach, shelter, and housing programs across the sprawling LA region. In his new role, he will be tasked with expanding and improving homeless services in Multnomah County, which encompasses Portland and several surrounding suburbs.

  • Nathaniel VerGow was named the new director of the Multnomah County Homeless Services Department on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Nathaniel VerGow

A veteran leader at the Los Angeles County Homeless Services Authority who has been named the new director of the Multnomah County Homeless Services Department.

Multnomah County Homeless Services Department

The agency responsible for coordinating homeless services in Multnomah County, Oregon, which includes the city of Portland.

Los Angeles County Homeless Services Authority

The organization that oversees homeless services and programs across Los Angeles County, California.

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What they’re saying

“Nathaniel VerGow brings a wealth of experience and expertise in addressing homelessness that will be invaluable to our community.”

— Deborah Kafoury, Multnomah County Chair

What’s next

VerGow is expected to start his new role in Multnomah County in early May 2026, where he will immediately begin assessing the county's current homeless services infrastructure and developing strategies to expand and improve programs.

The takeaway

The hiring of an experienced homeless services leader from a major city like Los Angeles signals Multnomah County's commitment to tackling the growing homelessness crisis in the Portland region with new energy and innovative approaches.