Homeless shelters contend with COVID-19 heading into winter
SPOKANE, Wash. — Every year, the question is raised of where Spokane’s homeless will sleep come winter. A global pandemic further complicates the matter.
It is an issue that Family Promise of Spokane is contending with right now — they currently have 17 positive COVID-19 cases between guests and staff. Other homeless shelters are facing similar crises.
The City of Spokane says there are 500 people without a home living in the city, but their network of shelters have a total of 530 beds.
Despite the numbers, there are not enough beds for every person, because most shelters cater to a certain group, like men, or women in children. In particular, shelters catering to single men are nearing capacity.
Family Promise executive director Joe Ader tells 4 News Now that he expects shelter beds will hit capacity as soon as Monday night.
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