Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, 509.625.6226
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 10:03 a.m.
City Council voted 6-1 on a lease agreement proposed for a homeless shelter at 4320 E. Trent Ave. The E. Trent facility is owned by Lawrence B. Stone Properties #4320, LLC, and is expected to be ready for occupancy around the beginning of August 2022 and will serve as a low barrier shelter occupying 150 – 250 unhoused individuals.
“This new shelter option will create an opportunity to connect individuals who are struggling day-to-day because of homelessness,” says Councilmember Michael Cathcart. “Many of whom are residing in illegal camps across our city - with much-needed access to case management, services, and support that provide a bridge to stability. The anticipated outcomes for Spokane’s unhoused community members are encouraging. By creating and implementing a Good Neighbor Agreement, we will be able to create the best outcome for this neighborhood while improving others. This is a crucial next step in addressing this issue. Now it is time for other jurisdictions to also come to the table as we approach this from a more regional perspective.”
This version of the lease includes a reduction in the monthly management fee from previous drafts and a possible option for the City to purchase the building in the future if desired. Before the shelter can be operational, Council will also need to finalize service provider agreements and properly outfit the facility in order to meet the needs of a shelter. Contracts are currently being negotiated with the Guardians Foundation and Salvation Army for operating the shelter and providing wrap around services.
“I think the approval of the Trent lease is an important step forward in providing shelter and services to the most vulnerable in our community,” says Councilmember Jonathan Bingle. “Summer is upon us, and it is only a matter of time before temperatures become extreme. And in reality, winter is just around the corner, so we need to be ready to serve those who will ultimately need help in extreme heat and cold. I want to thank everyone who took the time to give public testimony supporting the lease. We heard from business owners, service providers, activists, and average citizens— their support for these efforts show the unity we need to lean into going forward. We all want to help those in need and signing this lease will get us one step closer to ensuring we achieve that goal as quickly as possible.”
Council is scheduled to be briefed on the operator agreement and wrap around services on July 11th.
