SPOKANE, Wash. — A local nonprofit that serves people with disabilities is concerned that a homeless shelter moving in next door could cause issues.
This week, the city approved the purchase of a new full-service homeless shelter located on East Sprague Avenue. The facility would have 120 beds and be open year-round.
Not everyone is on board with the move, including nearby residents and local businesses.
Projectid is a nonprofit organization that provides recreation, socialization, work, personal development and transitional opportunities to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Spokane County. On any given night, Projectid averages about 100 people per night.
Executive Director Bob Hutchinson said they're worried many of their members will not feel safe if a homeless shelter opens.
"It's almost like taking a homeless shelter and putting it next to a junior high," Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson said the city plans to buy all three buildings on the lot including theirs. They aren't being forced to move but may consider it if safety measures aren't in place.
"Our people are very vulnerable, they are very giving, if you ask for five bucks they will give it to you if they have it," he said.
Hutchinson said his members, who range from teenagers to elderly, are worried about their safety - many of whom say they've had negative encounters with the homeless population.
"It'll be a place that people can call home for a while, and get stable, and get services and then move on to better housing after that," said Spokane Councilman Breean Beggs.
KREM 2 reached out to the city and they said maintaining safety, regardless of who the neighbors are, will be the top priority. The goal is to help people as they find permanent housing.
Hutchinson said he's not concerned with the people at the shelter, it's the ones who loiter on the property.
"Are they going to stay around the area? What mechanisms are going to be in place to make sure this area stays safe, not only for us but the neighborhood and other areas," he said.
While he's not 100 percent on board with the idea he does say the city is being proactive in addressing their concerns. He also sees opportunities to collaborate because many people in the homeless community may also experience a disability.
"We would like to form that partnership where we could help serve them beyond that to help keep them in permanent housing," Hutchinson said.
The city is co-hosting a meeting with project id to address concerns and talk about solutions on July 30.
Spokane nonprofit concerned about homeless shelter moving in nearby
A local nonprofit for people diagnosed with disabilities is worried about safety if a homeless shelter opens.
