New Street Outreach Team Close 96 Encampments in First 10 Days

Spokane's new street outreach teams, initiated by the City in collaboration with Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, successfully closed 96 encampments within their first 12 days of operation. Although most sites were vacant, the teams connected many individuals to essential housing and behavioral health services. Mayor Brown emphasized the critical role of these teams in fostering sustainable community change and urged improved coordination among service providers, social workers, medical professionals, and law enforcement. Jonathan Mallahan, President of Catholic Charities Housing Ventures, expressed optimism about the outreach teams' early achievements in assisting vulnerable community members. The teams operate in all four precincts of the Spokane Police Department, ensuring widespread coverage.

Additionally, Spokane 311 plans to launch a new feature enabling the public to report individuals in need of assistance, facilitating near real-time outreach team dispatch. This initiative reflects a growing commitment to addressing homelessness in Spokane. The outreach teams represent a crucial step in enhancing local support systems and improving community well-being.