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 second consecutive year of declining homelessness, with sheltered individuals dropping from 1,578 to 1,189. Conducted on January 22, the count surveyed 1,806 individuals across Spokane County, utilizing improved data collection methods that involved outreach teams targeting known encampment locations. This strategy aimed to enhance the accuracy of the count by ensuring that unsheltered individuals were not overlooked. Although there was a slight increase in unsheltered individuals from 443 to 617, the overall number of homeless individuals in the county continues to decline. Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized the effectiveness of consistent engagement and the importance of navigating individuals toward treatment and housing.

The City has invested in the Encampment Resolution Program, successfully closing four encampments with an 80 percent referral success rate to housing. Other notable data points include 106 veterans counted, and 43 percent of surveyed adults reported serious mental illness. The City of Spokane's efforts aim to expand shelter capacity and provide safe places for individuals seeking assistance.