City of Spokane Launches New Coordinated Street Outreach Model, Transitions Navigation Center to Day Use
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~ Spokane, WA - The City of Spokane has announced the launch of two new initiatives as part of their H.O.M.E. Starts Here Initiative to strengthen their response to homelessness. These efforts, set to begin in the first week of October, include a coordinated street outreach model and the transition of the navigation center into a day-use resource hub.

The new street outreach model aims to address four key areas of outreach work in a coordinated and geographically assigned approach. This includes traditional street outreach, which focuses on meeting the immediate needs of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness by connecting them with emergency shelter, housing, or critical services. The model also involves coordination with the City's Encampment Resolution Program, which identifies and assesses encampments and provides temporary or permanent housing solutions while addressing public safety concerns.

In addition, the Spokane Police Department and Code Enforcement's Homeless Outreach Team will work closely with the new model. This team is responsible for abating encampments and connecting individuals with outreach services. The final component of the model involves community and officer-initiated calls through the 311 phone line and online portal.

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Under this new approach, outreach teams will be stationed in all four of SPD's precincts, including downtown. This will allow members of the public who encounter unhoused individuals in non-life-threatening situations to call 311 or file an online report for assistance. SPD officers conducting enforcement will also have the ability to dispatch these outreach teams to provide services to those in need.

Mayor Lisa Brown expressed her hopes that these changes will make it easier for concerned community members to connect unhoused individuals with necessary assistance. "We hear too often from the public that they do not know which number to call when they see someone in need," she said.

Police Chief Kevin Hall also emphasized the importance of coordination between SPD and outreach teams in addressing homelessness. "Enforcement plays a critical role," he stated, "but it must be paired with outreach, mental health care, and treatment to truly make a difference."

In addition to the new street outreach model, the City of Spokane will also be transitioning the navigation center into a day-use facility. The center, located in the Cannon Street Shelter, has been providing stability and case management to 30 individuals each night since October 2024.

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Now, the center will serve as a place for unhoused individuals to access wraparound services during the day. This change does not reflect a shift in focus from housing and moving people out of homelessness, but rather an increase in the city's ability to meet daily needs. Under this new day-use model, the center will be able to serve up to 80 people at a time.

Dawn Kinder, Director of Housing and Human Services for the City of Spokane, highlighted the importance of this transition. "One of the biggest gaps in our system has been the lack of safe, supportive places for people to go during the day," she said. "By transitioning the navigation center to day use, we are filling that gap and creating a place where people can access services and take steps toward stability."

The City of Spokane will partner with Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington for their new street outreach model. Jewels Helping Hands and Providence will operate the navigation center.

These new initiatives are part of Spokane's ongoing efforts to address homelessness and provide support for those in need within their community. With these changes, they hope to improve coordination between various agencies and ultimately make a positive impact on those experiencing homelessness in their city.

Filed Under: Government, City
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