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 reveals a continued decline in homelessness, with 1,806 individuals surveyed on January 22. Sheltered homelessness dropped from 1,578 to 1,189, partly due to a new navigation center model that effectively transitions individuals to permanent housing. The count of unsheltered individuals, however, rose from 443 to 617, reflecting the new methodology that focused on outreach to encampments. The city is addressing this issue by expanding shelter capacity, ensuring safe indoor options for those in need. Mayor Lisa Brown noted that consistent engagement and treatment navigation are crucial to these efforts.

The report also indicated a 16 percent vacancy rate in emergency shelters, which presents both challenges and opportunities for improvement. Key demographic data showed that 43 percent of adults surveyed reported serious mental illness, while 52 percent suffered from substance use disorders. The city remains committed to its Encampment Resolution Program, successfully closing four encampments with an 80 percent referral success rate to housing.