New Street Outreach Team Close 96 Encampments in First 10 Days

Spokane's new street outreach teams, launched with Catholic Charities, cleared 96 encampments within their first 12 days of operation. While most sites were unoccupied, many individuals accepted offers of housing and behavioral health services. Mayor Brown noted the outreach efforts as a vital part of the city's strategy, stressing the importance of ongoing coordination among various service providers. Jonathan Mallahan, President of Catholic Charities Housing Ventures, praised the teams' early success in helping vulnerable residents find safer living conditions. The outreach teams are strategically located across all four precincts of the Spokane Police Department, ensuring broad coverage.

Early next week, Spokane 311 will unveil a new outreach reporting feature, enabling residents to report individuals in need of assistance. This initiative aims to enhance the responsiveness of outreach teams and improve community engagement. The collaborative efforts signify a progressive approach to addressing homelessness in Spokane.