New Street Outreach Team Close 96 Encampments in First 10 Days

Spokane's coordinated street outreach teams made significant strides in their first 12 days, clearing 96 encampments and connecting many individuals with essential housing and behavioral health services. The majority of those encountered at these sites accepted assistance offers, indicating a positive response to outreach efforts. Mayor Brown emphasized the necessity of ongoing collaboration among service providers, social workers, and law enforcement to foster sustainable change. Jonathan Mallahan, President of Catholic Charities Housing Ventures, noted that these efforts have led to fewer individuals being forced to sleep and live outdoors. The outreach teams operate in all four precincts of the Spokane Police Department, maximizing their impact throughout the city.

Next week, Spokane 311 will launch a new outreach reporting feature, allowing the public to report individuals in need, which will facilitate near real-time dispatch of outreach teams. This initiative aims to improve community engagement and ensure vulnerable populations receive timely assistance. The success of these outreach efforts could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other cities facing homelessness challenges.