New Street Outreach Team Close 96 Encampments in First 10 Days

Spokane's newly formed street outreach teams, launched in partnership with Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, cleared 96 encampments in just 12 days. While most sites were unoccupied, the teams effectively linked numerous individuals to essential housing and behavioral health services, including a navigation center. Mayor Brown affirmed the outreach teams are vital to the city’s strategy for tackling homelessness and stressed the importance of ongoing coordination among service providers, social workers, and law enforcement for lasting impact. Jonathan Mallahan, President of Catholic Charities Housing Ventures, expressed encouragement over the outreach’s initial successes, noting it has reduced the number of individuals forced to sleep outdoors. The outreach teams are strategically deployed across all four precincts of the Spokane Police Department, enhancing their reach.

The Spokane 311 service is set to launch a new outreach reporting feature, allowing citizens to report individuals in need directly. This initiative aims to ensure timely assistance for vulnerable populations. The city's proactive approach reflects a commitment to addressing homelessness in Spokane.