David Condon, Mayor, No Phone Number Available
Monday, January 25, 2016 at 2 p.m.
On Thursday, a network of social service providers, outreach professionals, volunteers and local government agencies will again partner for the annual Point-in-Time count of homeless persons and families. This count gives our community a better understanding of the homeless population in Spokane.
It's important to note that Thursday is only a snapshot in time. The Point-in-Time count gives us a one-day benchmark, but is not intended to be a comprehensive look. Over the past few years, we have seen encouraging data that tells us we are making a difference and that the work of connecting people to the resources they need most must continue.
Last year, the overall count showed a 10 percent decrease in the homeless population counted the previous year. Following that Point-in-Time, as a community we helped nearly 200 veterans and their families find a home through Homes for Spokane's Heroes. That amazing work was directed in part by the data collected last January.
Beyond the numbers, we are seeing evidence that the work the Point-in-Time count partners do throughout the year establishing relationships with homeless individuals and families is paying off. Last year, anecdotal experiences suggested that members of this often private and guarded population were more comfortable participating in the Point-in-Time census.
We anticipate more of the same this year and encourage everyone who finds themselves in a homeless situation to participate.
