Data suggests decline in Spokane homelessness as origin debate remains

(The Center Square) – As taxpayers question whether they’re subsidizing individuals who first became homeless before or after moving to Spokane, regional data suggests most lived there before their most recent episode of homelessness, but local officials say they didn’t ask the respondents where they were from.

The issue centers around whether taxpayer-funded services are assisting people whose homelessness began elsewhere, who then find housing before winding up on the streets again.

While taxpayers help out by subsidizing homeless services, some have asked whether that support creates a magnet effect.

The Spokane City Council reviewed the region’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count earlier this week. The report suggests homelessness declined for the third year in a row, with 1,738 individuals recorded in January, and that 75% of them had lived in Spokane...