As temperatures fall below zero, Spokane boosts beds for homeless

Spokane is taking critical steps to support its homeless population as temperatures plummet to below zero, with city officials announcing the addition of about 100 emergency shelter beds. The National Weather Service has reported temperatures dropping to zero and expects further declines to as low as minus-3 degrees, making this one of the coldest periods of the year. In response, the city has activated its emergency shelter program approximately 70 times this winter, demonstrating a robust commitment to providing safe shelter during extreme weather conditions. Although the number of beds for inclement weather is slightly lower than last year's peak, funding is secured for 143 days of emergency support, which also accounts for extreme heat and air quality concerns. Dawn Kinder, the city division director overseeing homeless services, emphasized that these surge beds are often fully occupied, particularly at women’s shelters.

The initiative underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Spokane's homeless community and the city's proactive measures to mitigate these issues. With temperatures expected to rise above freezing later in the week, the city’s response highlights the urgency and importance of providing safe shelter. This program is part of a longstanding effort to ensure that vulnerable populations are protected during extreme weather events.