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Deer Park Council backs non‑binding regional MOU endorsing 'Treatment before Housing' approach
Summary
Deer Park council approved a non‑binding memorandum supporting a regional, treatment‑first response to street homelessness after a presentation on Spokane's homelessness trends. The measure passed 6–1 with Councilmember Diane Pfaeffle opposed.
After a presentation on street‑level homelessness in Spokane, the Deer Park City Council voted to approve a non‑binding memorandum of understanding supporting a regional, treatment‑first approach to people experiencing homelessness.
Presenters Sheldon Jackson and former Spokane City Councilmember Jonathan Bingle urged surrounding cities to coordinate with Spokane County and regional partners to fund treatment programs. Jackson and Bingle argued that policy and enforcement gaps — including inconsistent enforcement of public drug‑use and loitering laws and limits created by the federal "Housing First" approach — have contributed to an increasing number of people living on the street. The council approved the MOU 6–1 (Diane Pfaeffle voted no). Jackson summarized the proposal as supporting "Treatment before Housing."
