New Street Outreach Team Close 96 Encampments in First 10 Days

The City of Spokane, in partnership with Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, initiated street outreach teams that have cleared 96 encampments in just 12 days. Most sites were unoccupied, but outreach efforts connected many individuals with behavioral health and housing services. Mayor Brown highlighted the importance of these teams in fostering sustainable change, emphasizing improved coordination among service providers. Jonathan Mallahan, President of Catholic Charities Housing Ventures, expressed optimism about the early success, noting fewer individuals are forced to live outdoors. The outreach teams operate in all four Spokane Police Department precincts, including downtown, ensuring broad coverage.

Spokane 311 is set to introduce a new outreach reporting feature that allows the public to report those in need, facilitating quicker response times. The city aims to provide comprehensive support to the vulnerable population through these initiatives. This coordinated approach marks a significant step in addressing homelessness in Spokane.