Annual Snapshot Estimate of Spokane County's Homeless Population Shows Overall Decrease for Second Year in a Row
Spokane County's latest Point-in-Time Count indicates a continued decline in homelessness, with sheltered individuals decreasing to 1,189 from 1,578. This improvement follows the implementation of a new navigation center model that effectively transitions people into permanent housing. Despite this progress, the count of unsheltered individuals rose to 617, reflecting a focus on outreach to encampments. The city aims to expand shelter capacity to provide safe accommodations for those seeking assistance. Mayor Lisa Brown noted that consistent engagement is crucial in navigating individuals to treatment and housing.
Additional data revealed that 43% of surveyed adults reported serious mental illness and 52% faced substance use disorders. The city’s Encampment Resolution Program has successfully closed four encampments, achieving an 80% referral rate to housing. Volunteers of America expressed support for tailored interventions to expedite the journey to stability for homeless individuals.