New Street Outreach Team Close 96 Encampments in First 10 Days

Spokane's new street outreach teams, launched in partnership with Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, have made significant strides in addressing homelessness within their first 12 days of operation. The teams visited all active case sites and successfully cleared 96 encampments, with a majority of individuals opting for behavioral health and housing services. Mayor Brown underscored the outreach teams' critical role in the city’s plan, emphasizing the need for improved coordination among various service providers. Jonathan Mallahan of Catholic Charities noted the positive impact of these efforts, leading to fewer people living outdoors. The coordinated teams are stationed in all four precincts of the Spokane Police Department, ensuring broad coverage.

Additionally, Spokane 311 plans to launch a new outreach reporting feature, allowing residents to report those in need of assistance. This initiative aims for near real-time dispatch of the outreach teams, enhancing their responsiveness. The collaborative efforts signify a proactive approach to address homelessness and improve community support systems.