Spokane plans bold strategy to combat homelessness

In a recent government meeting, officials approved a change to the meeting schedule, moving it to the fourth Thursday of each month at 2 PM. This decision followed a poll indicating that Fridays posed challenges for many participants. The motion was unanimously passed without any objections.

The meeting also featured updates on the regional five-year plan aimed at preventing homelessness, which is crucial for accessing federal funding. This initiative is being coordinated by the Continuum of Care and involves collaboration between Spokane County and the city of Spokane, as well as Spokane Valley. The plans, while separate, are designed to align with each other to avoid gaps and duplication in services.

Amy Manning from the Spokane Low Income Housing Consortium has been awarded a state grant to assist in this planning process, although she was unable to attend the meeting due to a housing conference. A draft of the five-year plan is expected to be circulated for feedback shortly, with the state finalizing its guidelines by the end of September. This timeline is critical, as any changes in state objectives could impact the formulation of the local plan.

Additionally, discussions included the composition of the task force overseeing the plan, with two vacancies currently unfilled pending new compensation requirements. The interlocal agreement between Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Spokane County is being drafted to ensure that the five-year plan remains relevant and adaptable over time.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among local jurisdictions to address homelessness and housing issues effectively, with a focus on creating a sustainable framework for future planning.