Covering the intersection of people and policy

Writer and Editor

I’m currently the homelessness and mental health reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive. You can reach me there at lmhughes@oregonian.com.

My work has also appeared in The New York Times, USA Today and KFF Health News, among other publications, where they’ve received local and national recognition for excellence. I’ve produced stories for public radio, am comfortable live on air and can take a decent photo.

ENTERPRISE News

My in-depth enterprise stories feature real people and clear explanations of complex public policies.

Deep expertise

I bring extensive knowledge of public education, early childhood, health care, gun laws, mental health and homelessness to my work. Plus, I learn fast.

EDITING

I’m an experienced editor and mentor, comfortable working with staff or freelance reporters at any level to sharpen their stories.

Stories
Father, attacked by son in mental health crisis, says changes to Oregon’s civil commitment laws are badly needed
Father, attacked by son in mental health crisis, says changes to Oregon’s civil commitment laws are badly needed

The Oregonian/OregonLive

After nearly 40 years serving homeless youth, Portland transitional housing program forced to close
After nearly 40 years serving homeless youth, Portland transitional housing program forced to close

The Oregonian/OregonLive

Multnomah County officials defend homelessness spending, despite now facing $70 million shortfall
Multnomah County officials defend homelessness spending, despite now facing $70 million shortfall

The Oregonian/OregonLive

Jobs programs offer a path out of homelessness. Multnomah County could cut them
Jobs programs offer a path out of homelessness. Multnomah County could cut them

The Oregonian/OregonLive

Public toilets could help stop the spread of dysentery (yes, dysentery) in Portland
Public toilets could help stop the spread of dysentery (yes, dysentery) in Portland

The Oregonian/OregonLive

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has a lot to say about homelessness. It’s not all true
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has a lot to say about homelessness. It’s not all true

The Oregonian/OregonLive

The Portland area made a $20M bet on homeless outreach. Here’s what that looks like
The Portland area made a $20M bet on homeless outreach. Here’s what that looks like

The Oregonian/OregonLive

50 minutes in the cold: Waiting for a bed at Portland’s newest overnight women’s shelter
50 minutes in the cold: Waiting for a bed at Portland’s newest overnight women’s shelter

The Oregonian/OregonLive

For Many Rural Women, Finding Maternity Care Outweighs Concerns About Abortion Access
For Many Rural Women, Finding Maternity Care Outweighs Concerns About Abortion Access

KFF Health News/The 19th

Home repair grants help Portlanders stay in beloved houses
Home repair grants help Portlanders stay in beloved houses

The Oregonian/OregonLive

After history of loss, Portland’s Albina district builds back
After history of loss, Portland’s Albina district builds back

The Oregonian/OregonLive

Mayor-elect Keith Wilson says he can end unsheltered homelessness. Portland voters are watching
Mayor-elect Keith Wilson says he can end unsheltered homelessness. Portland voters are watching

The Oregonian/OregonLive

In Idaho, don’t say ‘abortion’?
In Idaho, don’t say ‘abortion’?

Center for Public Integrity/USA Today

A crisis call line run by Native youth, for Native youth
A crisis call line run by Native youth, for Native youth

The Hechinger Report/Teen Vogue/OPB

Rural Jails Turn to Community Health Workers To Help the Newly Released Succeed
Rural Jails Turn to Community Health Workers To Help the Newly Released Succeed

KFF Health News/CBS.com