Mayor Brown, Spokane City Council Members Announce Comprehensive Homelessness Strategy

Spokane's Mayor Lisa Brown and City Council members launched a comprehensive homelessness strategy focused on addressing housing instability. The H. O. M. E.

Starts Here Initiative integrates healthcare, outreach, and economic stability to create a unified response. Proposed ordinances will improve the siting of shelters and codify best practices for inclement weather centers. This strategy includes community engagement requirements and the establishment of "Good Neighbor" agreements with shelter providers. Moreover, the initiative expands enforcement of unauthorized camping while ensuring access to navigation services for affected individuals. Mayor Brown highlighted the urgency of a multi-faceted approach to combat homelessness effectively.

District 2 Councilmember Paul Dillon noted the importance of reforming housing policies to address long-standing challenges. The strategy aims to stabilize vulnerable populations while preventing homelessness from occurring in the first place.