Clare McGraw
Valley Herald
SPOKANE VALLEY – The bitter cold has brought attention to the plight of the homeless, with an estimated 80-100 individuals grappling with the harsh conditions, according to Jill Smith, the city’s communications manager.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Smith revealed, “Our school districts in the Valley estimate that 700 kids do not have a permanent home, meaning they may be living in a hotel or temporarily staying with friends or family.”
Addressing the issue as a collective effort, Smith emphasized the regional collaboration between Spokane Valley and Spokane. “Spokane has creatively increased shelter capacity for the region,” she said.
Highlighting the dedicated response to the crisis, Smith shared, “Over the past week, our Homeless Outreach Team, comprising city staff, Spokane Valley Police Department officers, and our partners at Partners Inland NW, expanded outreach efforts into the evenings to locate and assist anyone who may be living outside.”
The severity of the weather prompted Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown to declare a state of emergency on January 11. In response, Spokane has mobilized resources, offering 261 emergency family beds and 744 emergency single beds at various shelters including Hope House, Family Promise, Compassionate Addiction Treatment, and Trent Resource and Assistance Center. Additional beds have been made available at Liberty Park Methodist and New Apostolic, operated by Jewels Helping Hands, totaling 20 each.
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