In a recent special meeting held on April 18, 2025, Spokane County and the City of Spokane officials discussed critical advancements in addressing homelessness and substance abuse in the region. The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts between city and county resources aimed at improving treatment options for individuals facing these challenges.

One of the key discussions centered around the successful placement of an unhoused individual into treatment at Spokane County's stabilization center. This instance underscored the effectiveness of the newly established system, which leverages local resources to provide timely support for those in need. Officials noted that while this particular case had a positive outcome, the availability of treatment beds remains a pressing concern, with many individuals still struggling to access necessary care.

The meeting also addressed the expansion of sobering and stabilization facilities in the area. Currently, the STARS facility offers six sobering beds, which are the only ones available in Eastern Washington. Plans are underway to increase capacity to up to 24 beds, depending on community needs. This expansion is crucial, as there are currently no secure withdrawal management beds in the region following the closure of Parkside.

Officials expressed gratitude for the opioid investments made thus far, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach between the city and county to enhance their advocacy efforts in Olympia and Washington D.C. The partnership aims to secure additional funding and resources to further develop treatment facilities and services.

Looking ahead, the timeline for expanding the sobering center is set for a two-year project, with a tentative completion date in spring 2027. In the interim, officials plan to scale up existing services to meet immediate community needs while ensuring that new facilities are developed efficiently.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration between local government entities and community organizations, recognizing that addressing homelessness and substance abuse requires a sustained and coordinated effort. As Spokane County and the City of Spokane move forward, the focus remains on building a robust support system that can effectively respond to the needs of its citizens.