The city wants to coordinate resources and groups to bring resources to unhoused residents after the closure of Camp Hope, formerly the largest encampment in the state.
The city of Spokane announced plans to establish a regional authority to address homelessness after the closure of Camp Hope, a large former encampment of unhoused people near central Spokane, with the goal of cutting homelessness by 40 percent in the next two years.
Mai Hoang explains in Crosscut, adding that three local community leaders proposed the plan as a way to avoid the mistakes of other efforts that fail to coordinate across agencies and organizations. “Establishing a regional authority to manage Spokane’s homelessness has widespread support as many believe it will foster collaboration and help Spokane move past the political and philosophical arguments that have been obstacles to progress.”
The proposed agency, the Spokane Regional Authority for Homelessness, Housing, Health and Safety, would be tasked with coordinating efforts and community resources, manage contracts, and develop strategies for assisting people experiencing homelessness. “In addition to housing, other services the Authority could connect people to could range from financial assistance to clinical care for physical and health issues.”
FULL STORY: Spokane aims to reduce homelessness by 40% with regional authority
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