In a recent government meeting, officials provided an update on the Family Promise Flash Program, which aims to assist families facing homelessness in Spokane Valley. Launched over a year ago, the program was designed to offer flexible support tailored to the unique needs of families, moving away from traditional shelter models.

Since its inception, the program has enrolled over 35 families, providing services such as diversion, rental assistance, and rehousing. Notably, the program has achieved a remarkable average time of just five days spent homeless for families it has housed, significantly lower than the average of 80 days in traditional shelter settings. The efficiency of the Flash Program is underscored by its 100% success rate in rehousing families, a stark contrast to the 45-47% exit to permanent housing rate seen in conventional shelters.

The program's success is attributed to its proactive approach, including the deployment of school-based case managers who connect with families before they reach crisis points. This early intervention has allowed for rapid rehousing, with some families finding new homes within 24 hours of entering the program.

Financially, the Flash Program has proven to be cost-effective, with average housing assistance costs significantly lower than traditional methods. The average cost of assisting a family on the verge of homelessness is approximately $37,100, compared to over $83,100 for those already homeless. This efficiency has enabled the program to provide ongoing case management for up to two years, ensuring families receive the support they need to maintain stability.

The meeting concluded with a positive outlook on the program's future, with plans to refine and expand its offerings based on the lessons learned. The Family Promise Flash Program exemplifies a successful model for addressing homelessness by prioritizing flexibility, rapid response, and comprehensive support for families in need.