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

Spokane County's Point-in-Time Count shows a second consecutive year of reduced homelessness, with sheltered individuals dropping from 1,578 to 1,189. The count, conducted on January 22, surveyed 1,806 individuals and utilized an improved methodology that focused outreach efforts on known encampments. Despite the overall decline, unsheltered individuals increased from 443 to 617, attributed to the new survey techniques. The City of Spokane is actively expanding shelter capacities and investing in its Encampment Resolution Program, which has successfully referred 80 percent of participants to housing. Mayor Lisa Brown highlighted the significance of consistent engagement in navigating individuals toward treatment and transitional housing.

Additional data revealed that 43 percent of surveyed adults suffered from serious mental illness, and 52 percent reported substance use disorders. The program has also closed four encampments since the count, adding two specialized shelter sites. These efforts reflect the city’s commitment to providing safe accommodations for those experiencing homelessness.