SPOKANE, Wash. — For weeks the protestors camped outside Spokane City Hall said they wanted to see the city open more permanent housing options.
Homeless advocates said while the additional warming shelter spaces help, they want to see more options.
The city of Spokane's 2018 Regional point-in-time count found there are more than 1,200 people experiencing homelessness in the city.
Catholic Charities Eastern Washington has tried to address this need in the community over quite a few years. As of Tuesday, the organization has a total of about 720 apartment units available to low income families or those experiencing homelessness in Spokane. The units are typically one to two bedrooms.
The organization’s most recent projects include the Father Bach Haven apartments. They opened back in 2013. The latest apartment complex, the Sister's Haven, opened this year, creating 75 new units for families and individuals.
Sarah Yerden with Catholic Charities said they still know of at least 800 people who are in need of permanent housing. She said they are making progress with building two additional apartment, which are permanent housing with health and social services. Those Havens are expected to open in 2019, providing another 100 units of housing.
Catholic Charities isn't the only organization creating housing options for those in need. This fall, "Transitions" built 24 permanent housing units for women and children. The project is called Hope Yard Cottages.
Even the city of Spokane plans to open a new 24-7 shelter that are expected to open in July.