Spokane County launches ambitious plan to tackle homelessness

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the development of a five-year plan and a consolidated plan aimed at addressing homelessness and housing needs in Spokane County. These plans are mandated by state and federal requirements, with the consolidated plan specifically designed to secure federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The meeting highlighted extensive community outreach efforts, including stakeholder meetings and surveys to gather public input. A joint presentation is scheduled for October 1, where findings from both the city and county will be shared, allowing for further refinement of the plans based on community feedback. Officials emphasized the importance of these plans in setting funding priorities for various homeless services and housing initiatives.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for improved coordination between Spokane County and the city of Spokane, particularly regarding the Request for Proposal (RFP) processes. Complaints from service providers about inconsistent criteria and timelines for funding applications prompted discussions on creating a unified RFP process. This would streamline applications and ensure that organizations are not burdened with differing requirements from multiple jurisdictions.

Efforts to enhance collaboration with philanthropic organizations were also discussed, with the aim of leveraging additional resources for homelessness services. A regional application process is being developed to simplify funding requests and improve transparency for potential funders.

The meeting concluded with a focus on data quality and the establishment of a regional dashboard to track homelessness metrics, which is expected to launch by the end of October. This initiative aims to provide a clearer picture of the homelessness situation in the region and facilitate better decision-making.

Overall, the discussions underscored a commitment to improving the effectiveness of homelessness services through better planning, coordination, and community engagement.