New Street Outreach Team Close 96 Encampments in First 10 Days

Spokane's newly launched street outreach teams made strides in their first 12 days by clearing 96 encampments and connecting vulnerable residents to essential services. These teams, created in partnership with Catholic Charities, visited all sites related to active cases, with most individuals accepting help for housing and behavioral health needs. Mayor Brown praised the early success of the outreach efforts, emphasizing the importance of ongoing coordination among service providers, social workers, and law enforcement to achieve sustainable change. Jonathan Mallahan, President of Catholic Charities Housing Ventures, expressed optimism, noting that the outreach has resulted in fewer individuals forced to live outdoors. The outreach teams are strategically located in all four precincts of the Spokane Police Department, including downtown.

Early next week, Spokane 311 will introduce a new feature allowing the public to report individuals in need of assistance, enabling near real-time dispatch of outreach teams. This initiative aims to enhance community support for vulnerable populations. Overall, the outreach efforts signify a proactive approach to addressing homelessness in Spokane.