Record number of people helped during 2020 Spokane Homeless Connect event
SPOKANE, Wash. – The ninth annual Spokane Homeless Connect hosted a record turnout on Thursday, Jan. 30 at the Spokane Convention Center.
More than 1,100 people experiencing homelessness attended the event, far more than were expected, according to organizers.
“We hoped for as many as 700 attendees, but to be prepared for a large turnout we planned food for 800,” said Kari Chapman, Chair of Spokane Homeless Connect. “Our final door count was 1,128. There was just a steady stream of people that flowed through all day long.”
Spokane Homeless Connect is the largest and longest-running homeless services event in Spokane.
Organizers pointed out that 1,309 people were recorded as homeless in the 2019 Point-In-Time Count. So 83% of that total attended the event.
Additionally, the event offered a variety of services to visitors including eye exams, haircuts, free bus passes, and more.
“I hope the public take away from this year’s Connect is that homelessness remains a significant issue that can’t be ignored or swept under the political rug,” said Chapman. “I believe the Connect represents our community at its best, demonstrating fearless compassion and coming together to address homelessness by offering practical help to our most vulnerable citizens.”
