QUICK SUMMARY
The City of Spokane will implement a new coordinated street outreach model and transition its navigation center to day use starting the first week of October. This initiative aims to enhance the city's response to homelessness by providing immediate assistance and wraparound services for unhoused individuals. Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized that the 311 service will streamline public reporting of non-life-threatening situations involving those in need.
The City of Spokane will launch a new coordinated street outreach model and transition its navigation center into a day-use resource hub in the first week of October. The outreach model includes traditional street outreach, coordination with the Encampment Resolution Program, and collaboration with the Spokane Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team. Community members can report instances of unhoused individuals needing assistance through the 311 service, which will dispatch outreach teams. Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized that this initiative will streamline public reporting and improve connections to necessary services. The navigation center, which has operated since October 2024, will now serve as a daytime facility, increasing its capacity from 30 to 80 individuals. Housing and Human Services Director Dawn Kinder highlighted that the transition addresses a critical gap in daytime support for the unhoused. Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington will partner with the city for the outreach model, while Jewels Helping Hands and Providence will manage the navigation center. This initiative reflects Spokane's commitment to enhancing its homelessness response and ensuring access to vital services.