Annual survey shows decrease in Spokane County homelessness from last year
The findings are based on the 2025 point-in-time count conducted in January when teams fan out to count and question Spokane County's homeless population on a particular night. This year's count found 1,806 people living on the streets or in shelters.
It was the second consecutive year that showed a decline
While homelessness in Spokane dropped overall, the number of people living without shelter during January rose to 617 from 443 a year earlier, while the number of homeless people staying in shelters fell from 1,578 to 1,189.
The annual point-in-time count, which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires of counties receiving federal funding, had shown a steady increase in Spokane County homeless for much of the past decade until the past two years. As a snapshot during a single night of the year, the count cannot be extrapolated to what homelessness looks like year round and some experts question its reliability.
Still, Mayor Lisa Brown touted the latest numbers as evidence her administration's approach to homelessness is working.
"The big picture is the trend is in the right direction," she said Monday.
During her tenure, Brown has shifted the city's focus on centralized emergency shelters to scattered sites across the city. Those moves, she said, are a cause of the overall decrease, and, the increase of unsheltered people.
During the 2024 January count the Trent Resource and Assistance Center was still open. Its closure in November is one cause for the increase in unsheltered individuals surveyed.
"I'm sure there were more shelter beds in 2024 than there were this year but there was not an equal rise in unsheltered populations, which I think means we're doing good work," argued Neighborhood, Housing, and Human Services division director Dawn Kinder.
Of those surveyed during the 2025 count, 43% of adults reported they had severe mental illness and 52% of adults reported drug addiction.
During a Monday presentation to the Spokane City Council, councilman Jonathan Bingle argued the city does not address these issues to the same degree they do housing.
"We are regularly told this is a housing problem. And I don't disagree that there's a serious housing component to this. But when I see this data that means at a bare minimum we have 700 folks struggling with something pretty serious," he said. "I would like to see a little bit more balance in our conversations. Not just housing-focused because there is a lot more to this."
Kinder defended the administration's housing-first policies as the only way for homeless individuals to receive effective treatment.
"We are struggling with mental health and addiction and a myriad of challenges. But expecting somebody to get clean and sober while unhoused or have reliable treatment for mental health unhoused is a bit of a stretch," she said. "So is it more than housing? Yes. But can we get somebody completely healthy and stable without housing? No."
The count also found 70% of respondents last became homeless while living in Spokane County. An additional 14% became homeless from somewhere within Washington State.
Brown said the results are evidence against beliefs that many of Spokane's unhoused come from elsewhere in the country.
"I don't buy the narrative that Spokane is somehow a magnet for the unhoused. I think a city in the urban center of a very rural region that has health care services, education services and potential employment is going to be a place where a lot of people end up," she said.
Asked what she would say to Spokane residents who might not believe homelessness is decreasing, the mayor said: "People are still going to see homeless people" on the street even if the population in shelters is decreasing.
"Nothing about the (count) suggests we've solved the crisis," added Kinder. "But we are making really strategic investments to try and address those who are unsheltered."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
28 minutes ago
- Forbes
Perplexity CEO Gives A Key Lesson On Leadership, Competition, And Fear
Aravind Srinivas highlights an overlooked leadership lesson. The modern business environment is undergoing significant volatility and disruptions, requiring CEOs and senior leaders to expand their capacity continually. While much focus in leadership has rightly shifted toward well-being and resilience, one crucial element, often overlooked, can still trip up even the best of executives: fear. Typically, fear is framed as something to conquer, avoid, or eliminate. However, fear doesn't have to be the enemy. It can instead serve as an effective tool sharpening leaders' instincts, accelerating their decisions, and fending off complacency. Aravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of Perplexity, captured this perspective during a talk at Y Combinator's AI Startup School: "There's real benefit from embracing that fear and sleeping with that fear and waking up every day and feeling excited about what you're going to build because that's the only thing that'll keep you going." This type of perspective is "healthy paranoia." Here are four specific advantages healthy paranoia offers leaders: 1. Healthy Paranoia Sharpens Your Thinking Whether it's a tiger in the wild or a sudden threat to your market share, fear has a universal effect: it sharpens your focus. In moments of real or perceived threats, whether physical, emotional, financial, or strategic, the brain cuts through distractions and focuses on what matters most. For leaders, healthy paranoia channels that same response. It forces sharper thinking and clearer questioning. Where are we vulnerable? What feels safe but isn't? Srinivas articulates this well: 'You should assume OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google will build it too. The only moat is speed.' In an era where ideas and initiatives are easily replicated, speed and continuous refinement have become essential competitive advantages. Rather than fearing imitation, healthy paranoia demands pinpointing the area in which leaders can truly excel and executing relentlessly toward mastery. This kind of thinking drives ruthless prioritization and strategic clarity. 2. Healthy Paranoia Fuels Urgency Without Chaos Healthy paranoia doesn't paralyze, it catapults. Unlike panic-driven urgency that generates chaos, healthy paranoia encourages consistent forward motion rooted in clarity and conviction. Srinivas characterizes running Perplexity as a marathon at "extremely high velocity," emphasizing the need to "move fast and keep shipping." In leadership (and life in general, most of the time), procrastination is natural until the stakes become clear and impossible to ignore. Healthy paranoia distills these stakes and causes decisive action. It shortens the gap between idea and implementation, providing sustained momentum that's deliberate rather than reactive. 3. Healthy Paranoia Prevents Complacency Former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton used the phrase "Don't eat the cheese," warning players against succumbing to praise and external validation. Similarly, healthy paranoia protects executives against complacency. Success, while desirable, can breed complacency and even a sense of entitlement, thus diluting urgency. Srinivas intentionally reads comments predicting Perplexity's downfall, acknowledging, "I love reading them. It reminds us that no one is entitled to survive." Leaders who thrive in hyper-competitive and volatile environments never assume safety; they continuously reinforce their competitive edge even in periods of success. 4. Healthy Paranoia Demands Physical And Mental Durability Healthy paranoia isn't purely psychological, as it places substantial demands on a leader's physical, emotional, and mental operating systems. Srinivas frequently engages directly in addressing operational challenges, an approach that requires high stamina and sharp cognitive functioning. In high-stakes and competitive business landscapes, resilience is not a luxury: it is a necessity. It's a non-negotiable. Leaders with audacious goals must maintain a robust physical and mental infrastructure to withstand pressure, remain focused, and continue building while under stress. Healthy paranoia can catapult a leader forward, but only if their internal system can keep pace. Without that foundation, paranoia doesn't sharpen leaders' performance. Instead, it erodes it. Why Healthy Paranoia Is A Leadership Advantage Perspective shapes leadership. Reality exists independently, but our responses to it depend entirely on how we interpret it. For some, fear triggers contraction and defensiveness. For others, it sparks expansion and proactive adaptation. Healthy paranoia, when embraced strategically, becomes an essential asset for leaders, providing more mental acuity, urgency, and vigilance against complacency, while demanding the durability necessary to excel consistently at the highest levels.
Yahoo
39 minutes ago
- Yahoo
12,000 pounds of organic blueberries recalled over Listeria risk — here's what to know
The frozen berries were shipped to a single customer in North Carolina, but the FDA has issued its highest-level health warning. A frozen fruit recall is drawing national attention, but it all comes down to one state. North Carolina is the only area affected by a new FDA blueberry recall, after a batch of frozen organic fruit tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during finished product testing. The fruit came from Alma Pak International, a Georgia-based supplier, and was shipped on or before June 9, 2025, to a single commercial customer. The FDA has since elevated the recall to Class I — the agency's highest risk category for products that pose a serious health threat if consumed. What's the Recall? Here are the details of the recall so that you can check for affected product in foodservice settings or repackaged goods. Alma Pak Organic Blueberries (frozen) Shipped in 30-pound bulk boxes Lot numbers: 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096 The recalled blueberries were shipped to a single commercial customer in North Carolina. The FDA has not issued a consumer-facing press release, and the buyer has not been named. These berries were not sold directly to consumers, but could potentially have been used in food service, commercial baking, or other large-batch applications. No other Alma Pak products or lots are included in this recall. Why This Recall Matters Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens, and frozen fruit, while often considered lower risk, has been the source of several high-profile recalls in recent years. Unlike many other bacteria, Listeria can survive freezing temperatures, meaning contaminated fruit remains hazardous even straight from the freezer. While most healthy individuals may experience only mild symptoms, Listeria infections can be life-threatening for pregnant people, newborns, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. This recall is especially concerning because the blueberries were shipped in bulk, unlabeled boxes. While there's no confirmed evidence the product reached consumers, it's possible the fruit was used in prepared foods like baked goods, smoothies, or frozen blends sold regionally. The Class I designation is not limited to E. coli or meat contamination. It applies to any situation where the FDA sees a 'reasonable probability' that exposure could cause serious illness, including Listeria, undeclared allergens, and other high-risk threats. What to Do If you operate a foodservice business or grocery in North Carolina, check with your distributor to determine whether the affected lot codes were received. The FDA recommends discarding any impacted product and thoroughly sanitizing any prep surfaces, containers, or equipment that may have come into contact with the berries. If you're a consumer who recently bought bulk or repackaged organic frozen blueberries, especially from a small grocer, farmers market, or co-op, ask whether they source fruit from Alma Pak. If you're not sure, it's safest to throw it out. Even frozen fruit isn't immune from contamination. A Class I recall means the risk is real and worth taking seriously, even in just one state. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Veteran Inventor Announces New Air Purification System That Splits CO₂, Produces Oxygen, and May Support Health and Ozone Recovery
Veteran-led innovation introduces a multi-functional air filter system using Conducted Direct Current (CDC) to address environmental and wellness concerns Seminole, FLORIDA , July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clean Air Electric Filter announces the launch of its Conducted Direct Current (CDC) air purification system, a technology developed over 12 years by disabled American veteran Gal Joe Nahum. The system is designed to split carbon dioxide (CO₂) into carbon and oxygen, generate ozone through negative ions, and may offer additional wellness benefits, including support for nutrient absorption. Gal Joe Nahum Photo The CDC filtration system works by passing direct current through the air, targeting CO₂ molecules. As the air flows through the unit, the current splits the carbon from the oxygen atoms. Carbon is internally collected, and purified oxygen is released, contributing to cleaner indoor and outdoor environments. A unique feature of this system is its generation of negative ions (–ions). These ions are naturally found in environments like waterfalls, where the friction of water hitting air produces a charge. 'Negative ions bind to positively charged particles, such as dust and pollutants, pulling them to the ground and purifying the air,' said Gal Joe. Nahum. 'If they reach the upper atmosphere, they may convert into ozone. Given the ozone depletion over Antarctica, restoring this layer is a priority for global health.' Beyond air purification, Gal Joe Nahum suggests the CDC technology may also have future use in health and wellness. 'There is a theory that this technology could assist the body in absorbing essential nutrients like vitamin D and calcium, potentially benefiting bones, nails, and teeth,' he noted. While this aspect remains under exploration, the concept reflects Nahum's commitment to broader applications for public benefit. The system is also being paired with a renewable energy source. Nahum is developing a transformer that harvests atmospheric energy, such as lightning and thunder, and converts it into direct current, allowing the filtration system to operate sustainably off-grid. Gal Joe Nahum, who served during the Desert Storm conflict, has dedicated over a decade of his life to the development of this technology. However, his efforts have not always been met with support. 'I came to NASA with this technology in good faith, hoping to collaborate,' he said. 'But I was dismissed simply because I wasn't part of the system. They forgot that some of the greatest innovators, like the Wright brothers, didn't have formal credentials. Without them, NASA wouldn't even exist.' His work is also chronicled in his book, which explores his scientific innovations and space-related concepts. Learn more at Gal Joe Nahum Clean Air Electric Filter galnahum1971@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
