New Street Outreach Team Close 96 Encampments in First 10 Days

The newly established street outreach teams in Spokane have effectively closed 96 encampments within their first 12 days of operation, demonstrating significant early progress. Coordinated by the City of Spokane and Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, the teams visited all relevant sites related to active cases, with most locations uninhabited. Many individuals engaged with the outreach services, accepting connections to behavioral health and housing resources. Mayor Brown emphasized the critical nature of these teams and the necessity for ongoing coordination among various service providers. Jonathan Mallahan, President of Catholic Charities Housing Ventures, expressed optimism about the outreach's impact on reducing homelessness.

The teams are strategically located across all four precincts of the Spokane Police Department, including the downtown area. Spokane 311 will soon introduce a new outreach reporting feature, allowing community members to report individuals in need, facilitating immediate assistance. These initiatives mark a substantial step toward addressing homelessness and improving community welfare in Spokane.