SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane City Council voted to give more money for inclement weather shelters.
“It is our responsibility to make sure people can get shelter, especially in extreme weather,” said Council Member Sarah Dixit. “As winter gets closer, we need to use this money to add space so we can help our neighbors when they need it most.”
The Salvation Army, Jewels Helping Hands, and Catholic Charities run the shelters. The new money will keep them running through the end of the year.
The city opens these emergency beds when either of these two things happens:
The National Weather Service forecasts a wind chill of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.The Air Quality Index reaches 201 or higher, which means the air is at a level that is unhealthy for everyone.
“Keeping people in Spokane safe during brutal and extreme weather is a top priority,” said Council President Betsy Wilkerson. “Every year, we need enough resources and plans ready for dangerous weather as winter arrives. Thank you to our housing providers for their work and for caring for people through the cold months ahead.”
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