Annual Snapshot Estimate of Spokane County's Homeless Population Shows Overall Decrease for Second Year in a Row

Spokane County's annual Point-in-Time Count indicates a second consecutive decline in homelessness, with 1,806 individuals surveyed this year. The count utilized improved methodology, sending volunteers to known encampments, which helped enhance data accuracy. Sheltered homelessness saw a significant drop from 1,578 to 1,189 individuals, primarily due to effective coordination through a new navigation center model. Despite this progress, the number of unsheltered individuals increased from 443 to 617, highlighting the challenges that remain. The City of Spokane has closed four encampments since the count, achieving an 80 percent success rate in housing referrals.

Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized the ongoing commitment to engage individuals in treatment and transitional housing. Other data points reveal that 43 percent of surveyed adults reported serious mental illness, and 52 percent suffered from substance use disorders. The City plans to continue expanding shelter capacity to provide safe accommodations for those in need.