SPOKANE, Wash. — In the upcoming general election, Spokane voters will decide if they want to ban homeless camping within 1,000 feet of parks, schools and daycares.
Now, a new interactive map shows which neighborhoods would be most impacted if Proposition 1 gets approved.
Geoscience Professor at Eastern Washington University Robert Sauders wanted to see what areas the camping ban would cover in the city. Using state and local resources for data, he created an interactive map. The areas in color indicate where camping would be prohibited. What stood out to Sauders is the ban covers most of the downtown core, which he found troubling.
"That is where we as a city have positioned our resources that are there to help people who are experiencing homelessness," Sauders said. "So, trying to move people further away from those resources didn't exactly make sense to me."
According to the map, the camping ban would cover 65% of the city, not including Spokane International Airport.
Shadle Park is one area with frequent campers. Mary Naber passes through the park often on her way to volunteer at the library. She doesn't believe the camping ban would solve the bigger issue.
Based on the interactive map, Mary's home lies within the area where camping would be allowed. But, she doesn't mind.
“If more people end up in my alley when the proposition passes I’m going to need to make more soup," Naber said.
The new ordinance would prohibit camping entirely in Browne's Addition. Matt Goode has lived there for the last six years
"Lots of amazing people here," Goode said.
He appreciates the increased safety that would come with the ban.
"No one wants to feel unsafe in their own neighborhood," Goode said.
But, he also believes the camping ban doesn't help those living on the street or in these parks.
"I 100% think the city needs to do a better job of serving our unhoused neighbors," Goode said.
While the interactive map shows the areas impacted by the proposed camping ban, it does not include the city's already established camping restrictions near rivers, railroad viaducts and within three blocks of shelters.
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