SPOKANE, Wash. – Lisa Brown’s office said they are making notable strides in addressing housing and homelessness. Several initiatives from the Brown Administration are reportedly showing promising results.
Right-of-Way Encampment Resolution Program
Mayor Lisa Brown’s agreement with the Washington Department of Transportation and Commerce prioritized the Division/Browne corridor for the Right-of-Way Encampment Resolution Program (ROW ERP). Recently, 39 people experiencing homelessness in this area have engaged with services at the Cannon Street Encampment Mitigation Center. The City of Spokane said that these will be supported by various local organizations, these people are receiving substance abuse, mental health treatment, and housing assistance. According to the mayor’s office, after one month, several have moved into stable housing, including placements in transitional housing and vouchers for independent living.
Relocating Services from Division Corridor
The City has partnered with Compassionate Addiction Treatment (CAT) to relocate their sobering center and behavioral health services from Division Street to a new facility at 1819 E. Springfield Ave., funded by the American Rescue Plan. The new site will offer better security and trauma-informed care. City Councilmember Paul Dillon praised the collaboration, noting that the new location will enhance support for recovery-seeking individuals.
Transitioning to Scattered Site Shelters
The City is shifting from congregate shelters to a scattered site model, with a Housing Navigation Center expected to open by September or October. This center will offer a range of services for high-needs individuals, including health care and housing assistance, and will act as a gateway to longer-term housing options. The city said that they are decommissioning the Trent Resource and Assistance Center this fall and has completed a process to fund new scattered site shelters.
Expanding Affordable Housing
In May, Spokane requested proposals to increase affordable housing and will soon allocate $9 million from House Bill 1590 to support nine projects. The mayor’s office said that these will add or rehabilitate 110 units, including various housing types for low-income families.
