New Street Outreach Team Close 96 Encampments in First 10 Days

Spokane's new street outreach teams, launched in partnership with Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, have achieved significant results by clearing 96 encampments in their first 12 days of operation. Most sites visited by the teams were unoccupied, but many individuals accepted connections to behavioral health and housing services, including the navigation center. Mayor Brown highlighted the teams' role in fostering sustainable change through improved coordination among service providers and law enforcement. Jonathan Mallahan, President of Catholic Charities Housing Ventures, noted that the outreach efforts have reduced the number of individuals living outdoors. The teams are deployed in all four precincts of the Spokane Police Department, enhancing their reach across the city.

Next week, Spokane 311 will launch a new outreach reporting feature, allowing the public to report individuals in need by calling 311 or visiting their website. This initiative aims to facilitate near real-time dispatch of outreach teams to assist those in crisis. The city's collaborative approach underscores its commitment to addressing homelessness effectively.