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 shows a decrease in homelessness for the second consecutive year, with 1,806 individuals surveyed on January 22, 2025. Sheltered homelessness decreased significantly from 1,578 to 1,189, attributed to improved coordination and the new navigation center model that facilitates transitions to permanent housing. Conversely, the number of unsheltered individuals increased from 443 to 617 due to a new outreach strategy that deployed volunteers to known encampments. The City of Spokane is focused on expanding shelter capacity to provide safe indoor options for the homeless population. Mayor Lisa Brown stated that consistent engagement is crucial for navigating individuals towards treatment and stable housing.

The city has closed four encampments since the count, with an 80 percent success rate in referrals to housing. Additional data from the count includes a decrease in veteran homelessness and significant percentages of individuals suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders. This ongoing effort reflects the city’s commitment to addressing homelessness effectively.