SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane is one of five cities picked to participate in Catholic Charities' Healthy Housing initiative, aimed at reducing chronic homelessness by 20 percent over five years.
The multi-million dollar initiative is also aimed at decreasing hospital readmission rates for the homeless population by at least 25 percent and connecting 35 percent of newly housed persons with primary care and behavioral health services.
Detroit, Michigan; Las Vegas, Nevada; Portland, Oregon; and St. Louis, Missouri are also participating.
Catholic Charities has not released any specifics about the initiative yet.
The organization is already helping to house Spokane's homeless populations through several other projects.
In December, Catholic Charities announced it was beginning construction on two apartment complexes for 100 homeless Spokane residents. The city issued building permits following homeless advocates’ demands for more shelter space.
Both apartment complex are expected to open in late 2019.
In early November, Catholic Charities dedicated 75 new units of permanent affordable housing for chronically homeless individuals and families. The Sisters Haven apartment complex is located in West Spokane on the forested grounds of the former Holy Names convent.