Erin Hut, Director of Communications
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 10:13 a.m.
Mayor Lisa Brown will recommend to the City Council at its April 8 meeting that Arielle Anderson, an experienced local public housing authority and human services professional as well as community collaborator, be appointed as the City’s Community, Housing and Human Services (CHHS) Department Director.
Pending City Council confirmation, Anderson is expected to start at the City on April 9. She has been the Director of Housing Assistance for the Spokane Housing Authority since November 2021. In that role, she manages housing programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher Program, and navigates the complex landscape of affordable housing initiatives. She develops and implements strategies to address homelessness, collaborates with stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery, and advocates for the needs of vulnerable populations.
“Arielle brings vital housing and human services experience as well as leadership skills that will assist the City in maximizing and stretching the amount of state and federal dollars it receives for this crucial need,” Mayor Brown said. “Her relationships with local partners will also be valuable as the City and community together explore new fiscally responsible solutions to tackle homelessness and removes barriers related to diversity and equity.”
Anderson will lead a staff of 28. The department ensures funding flows efficiently to sub-recipient partners that meet critical needs. The team is also responsible for the oversight and monitoring of those funds to keep the community in good standing and eligible for additional resources.
Programs include but are not limited to: Community Development Block Grant; Community Management Information System; City of Spokane Human Services Grant; HOME – American Rescue Plan; HOME Investment Partnerships Program; Homeless Housing, Operations and Services Grant; Housing and Essential Needs Program; Single-Family Rehabilitation Program; Singles Homeless Outreach Project; and Homeless Families Coordinated Assessment Initiative.
CHHS also organizes the annual Point-in-Time Count of the local homeless population on behalf of the Spokane Regional Continuum of Care Board that provides services for people experiencing homelessness.
“I am drawn to this position because of the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families experiencing homelessness,” Anderson said. “I am passionate about finding innovative solutions to address housing insecurity and advocating for policies that promote equal access to homeless and housing provisions. I am equally passionate about cultivating relationships across all sectors in our community, including, but not limited to, the business sector, neighborhoods and other partnering municipalities and governing bodies.”
Anderson’s previous positions included Housing and Homeless Coordinator for the City of Spokane Valley and the Homeless Services Coordinator, Home First Community Engagement Manager and Case Manager/Housing Specialist, all for Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP).
Anderson has served as a member and chair of the Continuum of Care Board and as a Housing Task Force member of the City of Spokane Valley. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Boise State University.
Pending Council confirmation, Anderson would replace Jenn Cerecedes, who accepted another position last fall.
