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

Spokane County's 2025 Point-in-Time Count shows a decrease in homelessness for the second consecutive year, with 1,806 individuals surveyed. The number of people in emergency shelters fell significantly from 1,578 to 1,189, largely due to effective coordination towards permanent housing. This year’s count utilized a revised methodology involving outreach teams to better identify unsheltered individuals, which may have contributed to a slight increase in that population. Mayor Lisa Brown stated that consistent engagement and focus on treatment and transitional housing are crucial for continued success. Since the count, the City has closed four encampments, achieving an 80 percent success rate in housing referrals.

The count also revealed that 43 percent of adults surveyed reported serious mental illness, and 52 percent suffered from substance use disorders. Volunteers of America emphasized the importance of identifying community needs through the PIT Count to tailor interventions effectively. The City of Spokane is committed to expanding shelter capacity based on actual usage to ensure safe accommodations for those in need.