SPOKANE, Wash. – Seven days a week, Street Outreach teams, like Team Lead Roy Garcia’s, rove Spokane.
311 alerts, police requests, and even eyesight referrals: Garcia says they respond to it all.
“We just try to meet them where they’re at,” Garcia said.
Garcia’s team, and others, try to meet up with the homeless in their assigned areas frequently.
Their expertise, in reaching out and forming personal connections.
A strength that’s identified in the hiring process.
“We hired specifically for people that have outreach experience, sometimes personal experience,” David Sackman, VP of Stabilization Services at Catholic Charities.
Sackman also explained that initial data shows success with the program. And just 12 days after the street team implementation, The City of Spokane shared that the teams had resolved 96 encampments.
“Hopefully they tell us one day, hey, you know what, I’m tired,” Garcia said. “I can’t handle this situation. What can you do for me?”
Outreach teams distribute blankets, bags full of winter clothes, and candy.
But even when those goods run out, Garcia’s team still offers conversation.
“That doesn’t mean I can’t sit there and conversate with you and get to know you and try to find out what are your barriers,” Garcia said.
And when the teams are out on a call, they’re also looking for additional connections, or referrals to other people who might need assistance.
When help is required, individuals are guided to the Daytime Navigation Center.
“You hook up with somebody,” Garcia told a homeless person during one 311 appointment.
When NonStop Local asked Garcia what he hears from the homeless he helps, Garcia shared: “Every one of them, they say the same thing. They’re tired of people going by and not seeing me.”
Non Stop Local also asked about the impact that the new enforcement article is having on outreach.
“There’s ups and downs,” Garcia said. “They’re moving more frequently.”
In just the first few weeks, Spokane Police Department reported giving well over 100 citations and hundreds of warnings.
