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 indicated a second consecutive decline in homelessness, with a total of 1,806 individuals surveyed on January 22. The number of people experiencing sheltered homelessness dropped from 1,578 to 1,189, largely due to improved coordination efforts through a new navigation center model. Conversely, the count of unsheltered individuals increased from 443 to 617, attributed to a refined survey methodology that deployed outreach teams to known encampments. Mayor Lisa Brown expressed optimism about the results, highlighting the effectiveness of consistent engagement in connecting individuals to treatment and housing. The count also revealed concerning statistics, including that 43 percent of adults reported serious mental illness and 52 percent indicated substance use disorders.

The City of Spokane is actively working to expand shelter capacity based on actual facility utilization, reinforcing investments in programs aimed at resolving encampments. Since the count, the city has successfully closed four encampments, achieving an 80 percent success rate in housing referrals. This strategic approach aims to ensure that individuals seeking shelter have access to safe accommodations while addressing the needs of the unsheltered population.