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 reveals a second consecutive decline in homelessness, with the number of sheltered individuals falling from 1,578 to 1,189. The count, conducted on January 22, 2025, surveyed 1,806 individuals across various municipalities. Organizers enhanced data collection accuracy by deploying volunteers to known encampment areas rather than having them search independently. Despite the overall decline, the count recorded an increase in unsheltered individuals, rising from 443 to 617, due to the focused survey methodology. Mayor Lisa Brown highlighted the significance of consistent engagement in helping individuals transition to permanent housing.

The City plans to further expand shelter capacity based on actual facility utilization. Since the count, four encampments have been closed, achieving an 80 percent success rate in housing referrals. Other findings indicate that 43 percent of surveyed adults reported serious mental illness, and 52 percent reported substance use disorders.