SPOKANE, Wash. — The homeless camp located near I-90 and Freya Street has an estimate of 138 people, 98 tents/structures, 20 RVs, 4 vehicles and 8 sites tagged for removal.
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the site is continuing to shrink compared to the 467-person count the I-90 homeless encampment had in the fall.
Some residents have moved off-site or found other lodging options. Outreach groups will help people struggling to move find options among available housing.
"They have higher barriers and different needs then most, a lot of disabled folks here. Disabilities in shelters are really hard to navigate," said Julie Garcia, Executive Director of Jewels Helping Hands.
As of Jan. 9, 51 people had moved from the encampment, commonly referred to as Camp Hope, and into Catalyst emergency housing facility. People who moved from the I-90 homeless encampment to Catalyst receive case management, employment and behavioral health services.
Residents are receiving employment training programs and information on how to be set up for success as they leave the camp.
"This is a lot different, I can see us not being here for much longer," said Jared Fullen, who resides at the homeless encampment. "But we're walking in a positive direction, we're all sticking to our guns, and all trying to get housing like we wanted to."
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