SPOKANE, Wash. – The closure of the Trent Resource and Assistance Center (TRAC) in October of last year has left Spokane grappling with a shortage of beds for its homeless population. The removal of hundreds of beds has put pressure on the city to find alternative solutions.
Dawn Kinder, Neighborhood Housing and Human Services Director for the City of Spokane, explained the decision to close TRAC. “The primary issue with TRAC was that it was just incredibly expensive to sustain. And the outcomes we were seeing were not in alignment with where we wanted to see the needle move on housing access,” said Kinder.
The Spokane Homeless Coalition’s Barry Barfield highlighted the impact of losing TRAC’s capacity. “Bad in the sense that it was a facility that could hold up to five, 600 people and we have more than that on the street right now,” said Barfield. He emphasized the importance of shelter during the winter, noting that it saves lives.
The city has shifted its focus to smaller shelters and attempts to connect those living on the street with services to transition to a new life. However, this approach has not been entirely effective.
Gavin Cooley, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Spokane Business Association, pointed out the ongoing challenges. “When any of us drive for downtown Spokane. we’re seeing a missing piece of the puzzle there,” said Cooley.
Spokane’s obstruction and unlawful camping ordinance was written to encourage police to connect the unhoused with services. However, Cooley critiqued its effectiveness, stating, “A hospital without doctors or a car without wheels, it just it’s an incomplete picture.”
Police Chief Kevin Hall shared his perspective on the issue. He noted that when officers approach the homeless, they often reject offered services. “And then a block away, we tell them again, you can’t be here. And then a block away, we tell them again, you can’t be here,” said Hall.
Chief Hall referenced the Canon Street Shelter, which recently eliminated its 30 beds but will now provide daytime services Monday-Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Officers can direct those experiencing homelessness to this facility.
Julie Garcia, from the Cannon Street Shelter, described the comprehensive services available. “Shop where people can come and get everything they need in one space. There will be service providers here, they’ll be drug assessments here. They’ll be, medically assisted treatment here,” Garcia said.
The site will offer behavioral health, mental health and medical services as well.
