QUICK SUMMARY
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown and the City Council unveiled a comprehensive homelessness strategy aimed at addressing housing instability. The initiative focuses on healthcare, outreach, and economic stability while implementing ordinances for better siting of shelters and engagement with the community. Mayor Brown emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the complex issue of homelessness.
Spokane's Mayor Lisa Brown and City Council members launched a comprehensive homelessness strategy focused on addressing housing instability. The H.O.M.E. Starts Here Initiative integrates healthcare, outreach, and economic stability to create a unified response. Proposed ordinances will improve the siting of shelters and codify best practices for inclement weather centers. This strategy includes community engagement requirements and the establishment of "Good Neighbor" agreements with shelter providers. Moreover, the initiative expands enforcement of unauthorized camping while ensuring access to navigation services for affected individuals. Mayor Brown highlighted the urgency of a multi-faceted approach to combat homelessness effectively. District 2 Councilmember Paul Dillon noted the importance of reforming housing policies to address long-standing challenges. The strategy aims to stabilize vulnerable populations while preventing homelessness from occurring in the first place.