Marlene Feist, 509.625.6505
Friday, June 28, 2019 at 12:09 p.m.
The Spokane City Council on Monday will consider two agenda items to continue work to stabilize and strategically build on the services that support those experiencing homelessness. The City of Spokane is working to develop a system with sustainable, strategic investments region-wide that will provide consistent levels of service. Ultimately, the goal is to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-reoccurring.
“These are the next steps in our long-term approach to assist those who are experiencing homelessness. We are working to create a sustainable system that meets the needs of our entire community and provides a path forward for those we are serving,” says Mayor David Condon. “We challenged ourselves in our joint Strategic Plan, One Spokane, to reduce homelessness and protect our vulnerable populations in a way that makes sense and delivers strong outcomes.”
On Monday, the City Council will vote on a key step in consideration of purchase of property for an additional shelter. The City is seeking an operator for the shelter, with proposals due from interested service providers on July 7. The new shelter is expected to open this fall with capacity for up to 120 people. The City has been actively working to develop additional shelter resources located outside of the immediate downtown core.
City Council also will vote Monday to accept approximately $2 million in consolidated homeless grant funds from Spokane County, with authorization to sub-grant the funds out to partner agencies. This would continue to ensure a regional focus on coordinated services for people experiencing homelessness.
