Brian Coddington, 509.625.6563
Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 10:06 a.m.
Spokane Mayor David Condon issued the following statement about the disruption to the 24/7 shelter model:
“Finding everyone a safe, warm place to spend the night remains a priority for the city. It is a complex challenge that requires a comprehensive, collaborative solution. The city has been a convener of partners and will continue to bring agencies, organizations and businesses together in a productive effort to solve homelessness in Spokane, such as the forum in February.
Shelter services remain in place for men, families, women and youth at the Union Gospel Mission, Salvation Army, Family Promise, Hope House and Crosswalk. The city will seek proposals from agencies to replace the single-adult component of the 24-hour emergency housing system.
While we are disappointed by this disruption, our commitment to that goal remains strong. The city invested $750,000 in emergency housing this year and has committed $13 million annually to long-term housing, service programs to reduce overall homelessness and building strong neighborhoods. More resources have been directed to respond to the secondary impacts of homelessness, including hiring an additional Geiger work crew for garbage cleanup, environmental improvements under I-90 and the railway viaduct, and working with homeless encampments to direct occupants to supportive services.
Homelessness data shows that we are making steady progress and reminds us that we must remain focused on the end goal of a safe place for everyone to sleep because there is work still to be done.”
