SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane City councilmembers wrapped up a series of roundtable discussions on the topic of homelessness Thursday night, working with community members.
The roundtables and town hall are designed to hear different viewpoints from the community on city ordinances against illegal camping.
One woman, who said she's experienced homelessness for several years, said the issue all comes down to more funding for mental health resources.
Theresa Bain-Broach lives out of her car, saying after her experience in poverty, mental health is something often overlooked.
"It's not being taken care of," Bain-Broach said. "It gets put on the back burner because they're homeless and they get contingents."
After three-and-a-half years, she's able to now get a home with her son, but says the issue is still pertinent for her and many across the country.
"I know a lot of people who tell me about their story often, and it really is a mental health situation," Bain-Broach said.
Out of all the people who were given the opportunity to speak Thursday night, Bain-Broach told her story, saying her experience exposed her to the reality of how anyone can fall on hard times, emphasizing her belief that more funding from the City needs to go toward aiding those who've lost their homes.
"I'm a college student," Bain-Broach said. "I'm a certified peer counselor through the state, and I live in my car. I have a Jaguar S type 2001, but I'm homeless. It might take some time, but once you get to somebody, they can start helping you. That is the most important [thing], you got to get help first."
In a City of Spokane press release last month, it noted they'll likely consider an update to current ordinances, which will be discussed in January.
One final roundtable is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Central Library in downtown Spokane. The final all-city town hall is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Central Library in downtown Spokane.