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 shows a second consecutive annual decline in homelessness, with sheltered individuals falling from 1,578 to 1,189. Conducted on January 22, the count surveyed 1,806 individuals, revealing a rise in unsheltered individuals from 443 to 617 due to improved outreach methodologies targeting known encampments. Mayor Lisa Brown affirmed the significance of consistent engagement and navigation toward permanent housing solutions. The City has effectively closed four encampments and reported an 80 percent success rate in housing referrals. The count also highlighted that 43 percent of surveyed adults suffered from serious mental illness, and 52 percent reported substance use disorders.

The data indicates that 70 percent of those surveyed had lived in Spokane County before becoming homeless. These findings reinforce the City’s commitment to expanding shelter capacity and investing in homelessness programs. Community support remains crucial, as noted by Fawn Schott from Volunteers of America.