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 showed a decline in homelessness for the second consecutive year, reporting 1,806 individuals experiencing homelessness as of January 22, 2025. This year’s count adopted a refined methodology, deploying volunteers alongside outreach teams to known areas of encampments, improving data accuracy. The number of individuals in emergency shelters decreased from 1,578 to 1,189, attributed to effective transitions to permanent housing through a new navigation center model. Conversely, the count noted a rise in unsheltered individuals, increasing from 443 to 617, due in part to the new survey approach. The City of Spokane is committed to expanding shelter capacity, reinforcing investments in programs aimed at resolving encampments and enhancing housing referrals.

Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized the significance of ongoing engagement and transitional housing in combating homelessness. The report also noted that 43% of surveyed adults suffered from serious mental illness, and 52% reported substance use disorders. This data underlines the complexity of homelessness in Spokane, prompting a focus on tailored interventions to support those in need.