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

Spokane County's latest Point-in-Time Count indicates a continued decline in homelessness, recording 1,189 individuals in emergency shelters, down from 1,578 the previous year. Conducted on January 22, the count surveyed 1,806 individuals and implemented a new methodology, deploying volunteers directly to known encampments to enhance data accuracy. This approach contributed to a slight increase in the number of unsheltered individuals, which rose to 617. Mayor Lisa Brown confirmed that the city’s strategies, focusing on treatment and transitional housing, are proving effective. Since the count, the City has closed four encampments, achieving an 80 percent success rate in housing referrals.

Additionally, the City has introduced two specialized shelter sites to accommodate those in need. The report highlighted that 43 percent of adults surveyed suffer from serious mental illness and 52 percent from substance use disorders. Spokane remains committed to expanding shelter capacity based on actual utilization to ensure safe accommodations for the homeless.