City Declares Emergency to Speed Up Implementation of HOME Starts Here

Mayor Brown Declares Emergency to Fast Track Further Implementation of H.O.M.E. Starts Here Initiative

Erin Hut, Communications Director, [email protected]

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 10:08 a.m.

Mayor Lisa Brown today issued an emergency declaration to speed up further implementation of the H.O.M.E. Starts Here Initiative.

With the "Safe and Accessible Spaces" ordinance in effect and SNAP benefits expected to lapse, the demand for safe places for people to go is expected to grow rapidly.

The declaration allows the City to bypass its standard contracting process and quickly get funds out to where they are needed, subject to ratification by the City Council. Under the Mayor's emergency declaration, the City will:

• Fund 50 additional shelter beds
• Expedite eviction prevention contracts
• Fund mobile medication-assisted treatment so police, the navigation center, and street outreach teams can connect individuals immediately to services, assessment and treatment

The declaration builds on the City's coordinated approach to reducing homelessness in the city, which includes the housing navigation center, scattered site shelters, and expanded street outreach. It also aligns with the recently adopted enforcement ordinance that gives officers more tools to encourage compliance with public space laws while offering paths to shelter and services.

The City of Spokane also anticipates designating new encampment resolution sites in the coming weeks.

"As we begin enforcement of the 'Safe and Accessible Spaces' ordinance, we need to increase capacity of places where people can go. The looming threat of SNAP benefits ending also means that many in our community are going to have to choose between food or rent," Mayor Brown said. "This emergency declaration ensures we have flexibility to respond quickly, keep people safe and sheltered, and maintain our focus on connecting people to services and housing."

"One in five Spokane County residents rely on SNAP benefits, so a lapse in funding will be devastating for many families. We must do everything we can to care for our community, which is why we are working to quickly deploy local funds and why I am working with Councilmember Dillon to introduce a resolution urging the federal government to restore and expand SNAP assistance," Councilmember Shelby Lambin said.

Mayor Brown is also establishing a new community program so members of the public and business community can donate directly to housing and other resources for those who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. Similar to the Condon Administration's "Give Real Change" program, donations can be made through utility bills, online e-payments, or by calling 3-1-1.

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