City of Spokane, Catholic Charities Showcase Innovative Homeless Outreach Program at National Conference

~ Spokane, WA - The City of Spokane's Housing and Human Services Department (HHS) and Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington (CCEW) have been chosen to present at the National Conference on Ending Homelessness. This prestigious event brings together service providers, advocates, and individuals with lived experience to discuss ways to prevent and end homelessness.

The presentation, titled "Smart Street Response: Linking Your Engagement and Public Safety Objectives," will showcase Spokane's innovative approach to street outreach. This model focuses on connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with shelter, behavioral health services, and housing resources while also addressing public safety concerns through a strategic partnership with the Spokane Police Department.

This coordinated street outreach program was launched in the fall of 2025 and has since responded to over 4,100 service requests. It utilizes the City's 311 system to centralize intake and gather reports of people in need of assistance or unauthorized encampments. An internal mobile app is then used to coordinate the appropriate response, which may include outreach workers, code enforcement, or law enforcement.

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Mayor Lisa Brown expressed her pride in being selected to present at the conference, stating that it is a testament to the dedication and innovation of Spokane's outreach teams and law enforcement. She emphasized that addressing homelessness requires collaboration and a willingness to rethink traditional approaches.

Catholic Charities CEO Rob McCann also praised the success of the outreach teams in collaboration with HHS and the Spokane Police Department. He stated that they are proud to share their achievements with others in this field but are even more proud of the positive impact they are making in the lives of those they interact with daily.

The City of Spokane continues to invest in a comprehensive approach to homelessness that includes coordinated street outreach, expanded shelter operations, navigation services, behavioral health partnerships, and permanent housing solutions. Presenting at this national conference provides an opportunity for Spokane to share its progress while also learning from other communities' best practices.

Residents are encouraged to call Spokane 311 or go online to request "Community Services" if they encounter an unauthorized encampment or a person in need of navigation to shelter, behavioral health, or other human services. This collaborative effort between the City and its partners is making a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Spokane.

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