New Street Outreach Team Close 96 Encampments in First 10 Days

In their first 12 days of operation, Spokane's new street outreach teams, formed in partnership with Catholic Charities, cleared 96 encampments, most of which had no residents. The majority of individuals approached accepted connections to behavioral health or housing services, demonstrating the program's effectiveness. Mayor Brown stated that these teams are vital for sustainable change, stressing the need for ongoing collaboration among service providers. Jonathan Mallahan, President of Catholic Charities Housing Ventures, noted the reduction of vulnerable individuals forced to live outdoors due to these efforts. The outreach teams are deployed across all four Spokane Police Department precincts, ensuring broad coverage.

Spokane 311 plans to launch a new feature for public reporting to facilitate immediate assistance for those in need. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to address homelessness in the city. Early successes indicate a promising direction for community support and intervention.