City of Spokane Announces Next Chapter of HOME Starts Here Initiative

Spokane city leaders will introduce the next phase of the H. O. M. E. Starts Here initiative at a Public Safety meeting on Monday and a press conference on Tuesday.

The initiative seeks to improve resources through a daytime navigation center and a new street outreach team, targeting public camping and open drug use. Mayor Lisa Brown stated the city's commitment to balancing compassion with accountability in addressing homelessness. Councilmember Zack Zappone emphasized that updated engagement and enforcement ordinances will help connect resources to those in need while holding violators accountable. Chief Kevin Hall noted that officers require more discretion to manage citations effectively, aligning with the new outreach model. The initiative aims not only to support those in crisis but also to enhance community safety.

Recommendations for ordinance changes will involve input from community and business partners, alongside the Spokane Police Department. The press conference will detail the goals of the initiative and its potential impact on public safety and homelessness in Spokane.