Spokane Valley Meeting on ALICE, Homelessness Count, and Shelter Resources - January 22, 2026

The Spokane Valley committee met on January 22, 2026, to hear a presentation on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households from SNAP, discuss potential uses of 1406 funds for housing, review the upcoming Point-in-Time (PIT) homeless count, and address resident concerns about reporting homelessness and the lack of available shelter beds. No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

ALICE Household Presentation

• Nicole Bishop, philanthropy manager at SNAP, presented on ALICE households—working families who cannot meet basic needs despite full-time employment. She reported that 38% of Washington households and 41% of Spokane County households fall below the ALICE threshold. Using 2025 fair market rent data (e.g., $1,123/month for a one-bedroom) and a minimum wage of $16.66/hour, she illustrated that a full-time worker earning ~$2,900/month would need $3,369/month to avoid being rent-burdened. The survival budget for a family of four in Washington is $109,000/year, compared to the federal poverty level of $22,000. SNAP served about 40,000 Spokane County neighbors in 2024, including 8,000 working families. Key programs include homeless services (228 moved to permanent housing), 12 affordable housing units, eviction prevention (over 1,000 households), energy assistance (26,000 households), weatherization (293 units), and small business support (22 businesses started/expanded, 48 jobs created/retained). Bishop encouraged changing the narrative and offered free ALICE simulations.

Potential Use of 1406 Funds

• A housing coordinator (identified as the city's housing homes coordinator) noted growing need among ALICE families and suggested exploring the use of 1406 sales and use tax funds for housing-related projects. These funds have a current balance of approximately $1.2 million, with about $200,000 added annually. The revenue source runs through 2030. Committee members expressed interest in bringing back a detailed proposal, including eligibility, provider projects, and cost-benefit analysis. A motion was made to place this on the agenda for a future meeting (though February will focus on public meeting act training). No formal vote was taken, but the chair agreed to follow up.

Point-in-Time Homeless Count

• Ms. Roberson presented highlights from the 2025 PIT count report. She noted that the count, conducted on a single night in January, showed a slight overall decrease in homelessness but an increase in unsheltered individuals. About 70% of those counted were last housed in Spokane County, and most others from elsewhere in Washington. The 2026 PIT count will begin January 28, 2026, with a Homeless Connect event downtown and fieldwork through February 2. Volunteers are needed to canvas Spokane Valley, including at Partners in the Northwest (serving ~300 households per day). Committee members discussed the importance of local data and countered claims about people being bused in from other areas.

Reporting Homeless Concerns and Shelter Bed Availability

• Mr. Gonz asked about procedures for reporting homeless individuals through the city's S.V. Express app. The housing coordinator clarified that 911 is for crimes/emergencies, crime check (for non-emergency crimes) can be used, and the city's report-a-concern button routes non-emergency non-crime concerns to his office (though not on weekends). He emphasized that there is no 24/7 response. When asked about increasing shelter beds, the coordinator stated that the city currently rents no beds—Truth Ministries and Hope House contracts ended. Inclement weather beds through Way Out Center/Salvation Army cost $75/night but open only when temperatures drop below 32°F for two consecutive nights. He noted the high cost ($130/night at Hope House) and limited funds (HHAA fund ~$300,000). He committed to continuing to explore options.

Key Outcomes

• The committee agreed to revisit 1406 fund allocation at a future meeting (likely after February 2026).
• No formal votes were taken on funding or policy changes.
• The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.