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

Spokane County's Point-in-Time Count shows a second consecutive decline in homelessness, with the number of sheltered individuals dropping from 1,578 to 1,189. This year, volunteers surveyed 1,806 individuals using improved methodology that targeted known encampments, enhancing data accuracy. Though the number of unsheltered individuals increased from 443 to 617, the City continues efforts to address the homelessness crisis. Mayor Lisa Brown stated that consistent engagement and effective navigation to stable housing are essential to this progress. The City has successfully closed four encampments since the count, with an 80 percent success rate in housing referrals.

Additionally, the city’s new navigation center-specialized site model has helped place individuals into permanent housing at a 40 percent rate. Spokane County's strategy emphasizes expanding shelter capacity based on actual facility utilization. The community's commitment to supporting individuals on their journey to stability remains a priority.