SPOKANE, Wash. – Business owners in Spokane are experiencing increasing challenges due to the growing homeless population near their premises. Gavin Tenold, co-owner of Northwest Renewables, discussed the situation.
He noted, “It was bad when we started, the homeless problem, but it’s gotten significantly worse, like in the last five years.”
Tenold mentioned that this summer has been particularly challenging, with the homeless population increasing around his business.
He shared, “We’ve had rocks thrown through the windows…at our bookkeeper, you know, it’s just yeah, it’s a stressful place for our employees to work.”
Employees have witnessed human waste, drug use, prostitution and vandalism, especially around 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. each day.
Tenold believes that access to the railroad and Highbridge Park attracts problematic individuals, saying, “they’re over here on the open space, lighting fires and just just kind of making a mess.”
The main concern for Tenold and his employees is the ongoing bonfires from homeless encampments.
“These fires are pretty constant. We’ve got the fire trucks coming in, you know, maybe a couple of times a week, sometimes to come and put out a little campfire that the homeless set over here,” Tenold said.
In response to these issues, businesses have taken measures such as turning off water access and installing barbed wire fencing.
Tenold expressed concern over potential drug trafficking and weapons, saying, “With drug trafficking, I worry about weapons.”
The city of Spokane has been informed about the situation. The businesses reached out to them, and they sent the Homeless Outreach Team to the site last week. This team provides homeless services and code enforcement officers to help clear away trash.
They are scheduled to return this week. Tenold hopes that more can be done to address these ongoing issues.
