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Homeless Population on Rise in Spokane

The population of homeless people in Spokane grew by 12-percent over the past year. New numbers from the annual point in time homeless count show Spokane is home to about 1,100 homeless people.
 
Mayor David Condon says while the number increased overall, certain populations of homeless decreased.Condon: “The census on January 23rd counted 146 homeless families, a four-percent decrease from the previous year. Homelessness among veterans also decreased to 85 this year, down 36-percent since last year.”
 
Mayor Condon says he is focused specifically on getting homeless veterans and families into housing. The city’s goal is to end long-term family and veteran homelessness by 2018.
 
A few more interesting number popped up in the homeless count. For example, the number of domestic violence survivors is at a six year high, at 238 people. The number of people with severe mental illness has grown over the past two years, to 257 people.
 
The annual data is used to inform funding decisions for housing and social services.
 
Copyright 2014 Spokane Public Radio