Homelessness

Homelessness is a complex public health and social issue shaped by factors such as inadequate housing, behavioral challenges, social and structural obstacles, and a lack of basic resources. People experiencing homelessness face increased health risks, including higher rates of infectious diseases and poor mental health. Limited access to healthcare, hygiene, nutrition, and safe isolation spaces compounds these vulnerabilities, often leading to poorer health outcomes and a life expectancy significantly shorter than that of housed individuals. Programs that address healthcare access, employment, and housing stability are essential for reducing chronic homelessness and improving overall well-being.

Access to data can help a community better understand homelessness and the programs that exist to provide support. The Spokane Regional Health District Data Center has partnered with the City of Spokane, Spokane County, and the City of Spokane Valley to create a data dashboard for the community. This data comes from the City of Spokane’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database which is comprised of a diverse range of service providers and organizations located throughout Spokane County. Data will be  updated quarterly. 

For additional information visit City of Spokane HMIS page: Spokane CMIS – City of Spokane, Washington

Last updated April 2025.

Data for the Homelessness dashboard comes from the City of Spokane’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), https://my.spokanecity.org/chhs/hmis/. Information about sheltered homeless and exiting to permanent housing comes from the HMIS report for system performance measures. Sheltered homeless visits data is measure 3.2. System leaver data is measure 7b1. Demographic and length of stay information comes from the HUD/HMIS report for clients in programs. Tableau Prep was used to aggregate the data and remove personal identifiers. Any counts less than 10 were suppressed.

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