New Street Outreach Team Close 96 Encampments in First 10 Days

The City of Spokane's new street outreach teams, formed with Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, cleared 96 encampments in just 12 days. Most sites visited did not have residents, but many individuals accepted connections to housing and behavioral health services. Mayor Brown underscored the teams' importance in creating sustainable change through enhanced coordination among various service providers. Jonathan Mallahan, President of Catholic Charities Housing Ventures, expressed optimism over the progress, stating it leads to fewer people living outdoors. These outreach teams are strategically located in all four precincts of the Spokane Police Department, including the downtown area.

Spokane 311 plans to launch a new outreach reporting feature next week, allowing the public to report individuals in need of assistance. This feature will enable near real-time dispatch of outreach teams, enhancing their responsiveness. The initiative represents a critical step in addressing homelessness and improving public health services in the region.