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 reveals a continued decline in homelessness, marking the second year of reduction with sheltered individuals dropping from 1,578 to 1,189. The count, executed on January 22, surveyed 1,806 individuals and uncovered an increase in unsheltered individuals to 617, partly due to enhanced survey methods. Volunteers were strategically deployed to known encampments, improving the accuracy of the data collected. The City of Spokane credits its new navigation center model for facilitating better transitions from emergency shelters to permanent housing, with an 80 percent referral success rate. Mayor Lisa Brown highlighted that consistent engagement and focused support are essential to the city's strategy.

The count also showed 106 veterans among those experiencing homelessness, and a significant percentage of adults reported mental health and substance use issues. The city plans to expand shelter capacity based on actual usage data. Since the count, four encampments have been closed, reinforcing ongoing efforts to provide safe shelter for the homeless population.