SPOKANE, Wash. – The Cannon Street Bridge Shelter has reopened its doors as a day center operated by Jewel’s Helping Hands. The facility now offers showers, meals and laundry services, along with case management for those in need.
Julie Garcia emphasized the importance of the center, describing it as a step towards transforming lives.
“We allow them to continue to be on the streets they’re going to continue to die. And these policies are condemning people to death and it’s condemning our business community to death,” Garcia said.
The center aims to become a comprehensive hub, providing medical, mental health and addiction support. Garcia expressed a desire for change, stating, “I want to do something new that actually works.”
Members of the Public Safety Committee are working on language for an emergency ordinance, aiming for a full council vote soon.
“I think that anything we can do that sends a clear message that these behaviors are not going to be tolerated in this community is what we need to do,” Garcia said.
