Homelessness in Spokane: Moving Toward Effective Compassion

[@slukky]

Who's going to bring someone into his home when that person is under the influence? Or just plain nuts? We need open, military-style barracks that are monitored closely, mandatory rehab, & available psych care. THEN, when they're sober & civil, the public will open up its arms. Spokane is NOT cold. People here tend to mind their business, but they are very willing to give a hand up, just not the old handout. Tough love.

[@averagejoe9851]

Absolutely correct....Not really tough love, It's only viable solution

[@waterlove2155]

Stravo Lukos 👍 well said.

[@waterlove2155]

I’m glad there’s people like you guys. I was homless And Spokane Is cold to the non drug addicts because there were some many drug addicts who wipe Their butt with your help. But what about me. My mom let her husband assault me 4 times when I was half paralyzed with spinal chord injury. Makes me mad and wonder where are the “ good healthy sane people of Spokane”. I always knew you guys were out there but I was assaulted for the 4th time and I , i was arrested and givien plea deal to get an apartment and they would drop all charges I had evidence of my innocence and the prosecutor cried when I showed her my evidence. Interesting way to help. Thanks prosecutor lady. Your beautiful.

[@waterlove2155]

Anyone who would like to support me an my lifelong campaign to help homeless and troubled kids and young adults and even the old. please contact me call or text. [phone]

[@bonniebester606]

Can you say...FEMA Camps?!

[@kreese316]

I don't want Spokane to be where people come to stay homeless. I want it to be where people know that there will be loving compassion with solid accountability. And, I want my city back. Any city's downtown area is what keeps a broader city alive and thriving. Please, mayor, governer, decision makers: take note of this information! This is 100% right on. Hard evidence. THANK YOU! FOR THE HOMELESS: If you want to get out of homelessness, the Spokane Union Gospel Mission is where to go. If you want to stay high, live on the streets claiming it as your right, and never know what caused your habits and behaviors, go elsewhere. FOR COMPASSIONATE TAXPAYERS WHO WANT TO HELP PEOPLE AND MAKE SPOKANE SAFER: If you want to give to an organization that will both help people transform AND make our city safer, give to UGM. They take zero government funding. If you want to give to organizations that equate compassion with acceptance of any and all unhealthy and dangerous behaviors, give to organizations that keep growing services AND growing homelessness through making Spokane a homeless destination spot.

[@jenniferwilcox9759]

In addition, please, moms, dads, block watch captains, retirees, singles,...IN GENERAL, EVERYDAY CITIZENS, educate yourselves on what you can do. Go to city council meetings, or read the minutes/watch the videos, take a few minutes to research the "Spokane County and the City of Spokane Strategic Plan to End Homelessness", the Spokane County Continuum of Care plan which feeds into the strategic plan. All of this information is easily available to the public and will help in collaborating with city/state officials to make some headway.

[@slukky]

We need our own state of Liberty!

[@rendalee6168]

Everyone should have a warm soft place to sleep. Compassion dosent focus on improving ones behavior. Compassion is getting humans in out of the heat and cold.

[@jenniferwilcox9759]

Compassion, focusing on improving one's behavior is one of the long-term solutions. "Getting humans in out of the heat and cold" is short-term and eventually doesn't do any good. It perpetuates the homelessness.

[@windydean3255]

Mark! From cup of cool water! I love and miss you kind sir. You watched me grow up and gave me food and a safe place to be. You had a huge impact on my life. I am now clean and off the streets and working full time. I also have a daughter. Thank you for being so kind.

[@noneyabusiness3501]

Idk if you are still at this channel, but its plunger. Hope you are doing ok.

[@AURORATHEANIMATOR]

As a Spokane native, it saddens me to see the deterioration of the downtown area. Unchecked drug addiction and mental health issues are largely to blame. I would walk alone downtown because I still feel like this is my city. But would I take my 5 year old down there at dusk? Probably not... ☹️

[@RustyIronProjectsRIP]

My oldest son lives on the streets of Spokane. Mental health and drug abuse keeps him there, all of the shelters now him by name. He has choices but chooses drugs. Thank goodness for Union Gospel Mission, if not for these types of services my son would be dead. Mental illness is the saddest thing I have ever encountered.

[@patricparkison1903]

I was homeless here for 2 years...lived in People’s Park, honestly, becoming homeless was instant...one minute your good, the next you’re hiding from the cops who are doing a sweep and throwing away everything you’ve got left and making rude ass comments...I never stole, hung out downtown..none of that and yet I was still treated like crap...military barracks I saw someone suggested...if everybody had to live just One month homeless...they’d quit acting like their criminals and remember they are fucking people...all the people acting that way should remember...could you miss a couple of paychecks and make it??? With no backup or plan or family....think about it...treating homeless people like that is shitty

[@Redneck_Wizard]

All drug using homeless should be arrested and sent to rehabs and all non drug using homeless should be helped out.

[@mydrumhouseusa6]

Well developed report on the Homelessness in Spokane. Experts opinions are really worthy and need attention of our society! Thanks UGM!

[@jamesesmond4058]

Yeah. Been. Hmless a. Few times. Not thru my own fault......like when i got to spokane.... 2 weeks. ....after i arrived....... I got a few good ideas how to cut down on. It. Or. Ease. It up.........

[@Nauseaing]

Shii ton of tweekers downtown

[@TeriMaddy]

exactly !!!!

[@heidigburski2672]

Spokane should incorporate what Rhode Island prisons are doing. The best treatment for opioid addiction. Colfax is the name of the company of health professionals that give treatment for opioid addiction. Incorporate these things on the streets. A police officer can make a difference♥️🌹

[@Aerospaceman]

Foreclosures, unaffordable rent, insane prices on homes, results in some homelessness. The downsizing or elimination of almost a million jobs has caused some homelessness. Lastly, there are those who voluntarily live this life like nomads or gypsies because they refuse to work and enjoy what they call being free from the system. The system needs to recognize all of the mentally challenged and get them assistance. Treat those with alcoholism and drug addiction and rehabilitate them for reintegration to society. The freeloaders, the nomads, gypsies are the ones that need to work. No work, no assistance.

[@glenndavis2762]

Friend at work said his sister works for Catholic Charities and she mentioned something about Seattle giving bus tickets to Spokane and a bit of cash to some in order to offload the homeless in Seattle??? anybody hear anything about this?

[@lauriedosey4922]

Spokane is also buying bus tickets for the homeless to come to colville!! We don't have a way to help these ppl, yet they say go there!!

[@chrishall8803]

When you start feeding an housing this group they contact all there friends ocross the country then they show up an so on the you'll have five times the problem

[@graba.wrench8885]

The problem can be solved by the city counsel enforcing low level crime by all these drug addicted people. They can create a pathway/ treatment through law enforcement like Providence RI did. Before you get nasty at me...do you research people, there are examples on how to do it.

[@marthaharris8722]

I’ve seen so many documentaries regarding Spokane Washington where I worked as a traveling nurse in one of their hospitals there for 2 years off and on. I have a personal spot in my heart ❤️ for these people because it was so bitterly cold there in the winter ❄️ it’s sad but I’m glad to see so many outreach problems

[@larryfowler3152]

See this is why homeless shelters dont work becouse homeless shelters make people homeless more affordable houseing should be built and more jobs created for homeless people thats why i felt that resourses in wa. State dont work becouse homeless shelters make people homeless and then the homeless people leave the homeless shelters to go live on the streets becouse the homeless shelters become to full , lady fowler

[@la2alaska336]

Seeking escape from personal torment? I’m tormented every fucking day but I still drag my ass out of bed and punch that clock. Do you know why? It’s real simple. Food, clothing and shelter. I put my “personal torment” aside so I can survive and thrive. Sure, I could just as easily drown my sorrows in the bottle, quit my job and live in a tent…uh hell no.

[@DuchessammiofWindsor]

I agree with you. . I'm on Disability, had 3 back surgeries, I have spinal stenosis, degenerative joint disease, carpal tunnel in both hands, and Lupus!!! I work 32 + hours a week. I don't call out or show up late...my job is important to me .

[@sallyclay1974]

Somewhere along life's highway, if u have addictions from hard drugs or alcohol, u have to change. That usually means rehab. Tons of AA and NA meetings. Only u can change your life.many drug addicts and chronic alcoholics end up homeless and broke. They face evictions and a revolving door in our Federal and State system.

[@UnionGospelMission]

True.

[@Dulcimerea]

I sponsored a paroled prisoner and also several homeless who I allowed to stay at my home. Instead of using the time and space and facilities to work on their problems and get stable housing, they invited their homeless friends from the camps to come over and do drugs, smoke meth with them. Hopefully they have stopped doing that by now, I've gotten most of them to move on, but two problematics won't leave, and even assaulted me when I requested them to leave. I learned from direct experience of these individuals that in this area, nearly 100% of the homeless are homeless because of meth. Their situations are complicated by existing mental illness, troubles with the law, and alienation from their families. But meth use is the key factor, the sine qua non of a possible solution. If meth were to disappear overnight, the homeless epidemic would begin to disappear at the same time. in a week there would be many thousands of homeless begging for help and for medical care. But as long as the highly toxic P2P meth is on the streets they will not be able to leave it alone and their numbers will increase. This town has perhaps a few hundred, but they live identically to the people in the huge camps in the cities. I assume that opiates are also a problem around here, but my personal experience has been exclusively with scores of homeless who were almost without exception all meth addicts. They are homeless because every spare dollar they have goes for drugs. I know this sounds as if I am repeating a stereotype, but it is from my direct personal experience. I had to be shown, and was. They are homeless primarily because of meth addiction. That is the place to start, if we want to solve this problem in our communities. A long as that drug is on the streets the problem will get worse.

[@lauriegerling3046]

Excellent and we'll written points. The drug use is ramped. It socks the life out of people. It won't do any good to help with a place to stay without addressing the. Meth issue

[@TomJohnson-jb8de]

People making bad decisions throughout their lives. Drug use, No work ethic and cant hold a job. Lack of motivation. This is the real cause of homeless.

[@UnionGospelMission]

Those are certainly major factors, and a high percentage of individuals making repeat poor decisions have unresolved trauma keeping them stuck. We aim to help people break the cycle of addiction and homelessness through trauma-informed care.

[@ronaldbeck1762]

Compassion is the problem. Look around, It doesn't work. Tough love is the answer ...

[@jenniferwilcox9759]

Tough love is a form of compassion. For those who don't understand that, revisiting the definitions of tough love and compassion may be necessary.

[@ronaldbeck1762]

@@jenniferwilcox9759 ...Semantics and you know what I'm saying. They are victimizing your compassion ...

[@bonniebester606]

A Billion Dollars a Year?! $80k a year for Every man. Woman or Child?! And their still Homeless?! I Smell Embezzelment!!!!

[@UnionGospelMission]

Just to clarify, that quote is speaking to Seattle's spending. Spokane has spent a little over $160 million in the past 10 years. It's still a lot, but not $1 billion per year.

[@bonniebester606]

@@UnionGospelMission Yes it is...what makes me so mad is when the people who are helping the Homeless live in Mansions with Mercedes in the Garage at Home!

[@UnionGospelMission]

That certainly is a concern. There's definitely an issue with the federal government dictating how homeless dollars are spent, even if that approach isn't effective. It can incentivize quantity over quality, and charities are rewarded for giving out more even if it's not actually helping people off of the streets. Union Gospel Mission is 100% community funded so that we can offer support to those in need that really helps equip them to be successful longterm.

[@bonniebester606]

@@UnionGospelMission My Great Grandfather and Grandfather started the Volunteers of America in Seattle and Spokane. It's not a very big Organization now...but l'm still Proud of them and both of my Grandmothers, who Helped and Served along side of them! :)

[@jenniferwilcox9759]

This is an excellent video! It highlights the various issues affecting homelessness with facts, clarity, logic and compassion. It's balanced and representative of those who are experiencing homelessness and those who are trying to help them. This is far better in its approach to how homelessness affects all community members (i.e. business owners, homeless, non-homeless, etc.,) than another series, locally produced by a private media company, currently on KZbin. This video provides information that will encourage a more collaborative, effective approach in developing effective solutions. Thank you for identifying the underlying causes in a way the general public can understand. Other local videos fall short in identifying the underlying causes and spend most of their video time promoting their personal agendas and not offering solutions. Thank you for your video!

[@UnionGospelMission]

Jennifer, thank you for your well-worded feedback. Our heart is for the people who need help to get it. You're absolutely right in implying that there is no need for agendas to get in the way of offering real help. We are so glad you are our neighbor.

[@marcvslicinivscrassvs7536]

Affordable housing is a thing of the past. Landlords are accepting Section 8 vouchers less and less.

[@UnionGospelMission]

It is a hard time right now for sure. One of our short-term goals is to increase the availability of affordable transitional housing.

[@johngulley7864]

The one thing about homeless people the more you help the more you disable them remember no good deed goes on punished

[@sirvilhelmofyonderland]

The easier Spokane makes it for the homeless, the more homeless Spokane will have.

[@anotherray9099]

it's kinda of a can't win situation

[@GlocknessMonster1738]

I mean they could do what some other city’s have done. In some big American city’s its pretty much illegal to be homeless in public. If you’re caught sleeping or setting up any sort of camps on public urban property you’re immediately arrested. It’s a shitty thing to do but it sure clears up the homeless pretty quickly

[@sirvilhelmofyonderland]

@@GlocknessMonster1738 the problem with that is Spokane jail is woefully undersized. It’s very small. The city couldn’t enforce this program if they wanted to. I was homeless for about 2 months. It suuuuuuuuuuucked. So I busted my ass and got out of that situation. But with free food, drugs everywhere, cops looking the other way, set camp wherever you want, some people prefer homelessness to busting arse. The city needs to make it harder.

[@GlocknessMonster1738]

What people need to realize about this city is that most homeless people here are the complete opposite of victims. They brought it on themselves by making lifelong bad choices. Everyone deserves a 2nd chance, but not a 43rd chance. Screw em. They should be sent away somewhere else. They ruin it for the true homeless people in this town who are sober but just are going through true life crisis in their families or relationships. Those are the people we need to really be focusing on and helping. You’re telling me some lifelong tweaked can get the last bed at a homeless shelter and a single women whose husband died or something is kicked to the curb for the night? Sad.

[@dashcan8479]

I am watching this and several things strike me. This was suppose to be a video about compassion. But right away the video redefines compassion. I will be quoting the Master directly at the end for this "Gospel Mission" to read AGAIN. Second, right away you hear figures. Lots and lots of figures. How much is spent on this "problem" and out it comes. $80m. Now right away I am thinking hmm. $80 million for 1,500 people. Probably more. Then you hear it averages $84,000 (my figure maybe a bit off but that is what i heard). And right away I am thinking $80g and Bon Jovi. Thats right. Bon Jovi. Soul Foundation. Now I am not saying that is the "sole" solution. But what I SEE is a ton of folks living off this. A lot of folks living off mental illness, drug addiction, criminalizing people who have mental issues. The most vulnerable of the vulnerable. Dont get me wrong what UGM shows in terms of their programs is good. But I think the worst possible person you can have dealing with the homeless is people who have never been homeless. So i say give them healthcare, give them housing (not for free they have to contribute) and make sure they are re-integrated fully in society. I will leave you with a video from just north of Spokane, WA. You see in AB, Edmonton they figured this out. Here is the video folks. I hope and wish for one thing. Learning. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJq6XpuonNd3gq8. i almost forgot. Here is the Master speaking about homelessness. It begins at 1:17 with He he would be great among you....kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2LNdH59dtimrJI

[@timthemechanix]

I spent a good part of my life homeless, started out in Spokane. I was 14 in 1974 when I was a homeless runaway growing up on the east side. Alcohol was passed on to me from parents, took me to a life of the through the juvenile justice system to prison for stupid petty alcohol related offenses. I wandered the US, in and outta relationships, jobs, via car and my thumb. Finally found sobriety via AA in Denver in 2020. Owned my own little auto shop for almost 20 years, 1/20/2021 will be 20 years sober. I'm a living breathing miracle, thanks to God, AA and 1,000's of others I've met along the way. In sobriety I've survived and overcome harder obstacles and now have an amazing life. Built and repaired 1000's of cars/trucks, helped many others find sobriety, was elected state delegate here in Colorado, survived a fall that broke 107 bones. I still work every day since overcoming that to pay the bills, wish I had the time to help others because I found the doorways out, the hard way.

[@UnionGospelMission]

Tim, that's amazing. God bless you! UGM is all about God and healthy relationships in the recovery journey.

[@candacesturtevant7139]

Your story gives others hope. I bow to your grace.

[@timthemechanix]

@@candacesturtevant7139 Thank you, seems like I've made it another year sober, now 21. Love and blessing to all.

[@dominicrios3961]

Thank you Diane like most people in the neighborhood put locks on their dumpsters problem solved right

[@tonyperkins3505]

Compassion turns to enabling, are you helping the homeless or creating more homeless?

[@UnionGospelMission]

We agree that there is a kind of compassion that enables/causes chronic homelessness. Our methods include helping our friends heal from the inside out and learn to work a good job, and we support lifelong sobriety. The compassion we preach helps people find real life change.

[@tonyperkins3505]

Unfortunately I have seen first hand people being robbed and beaten in front of your facility. I had to repair the fire damage caused by those your compassion is helping. If you provide food and a place for people to sleep that frees what meager funds they do have to spend on booze and drugs. Your compassion extends the suffering instead of reducing it.

[@UnionGospelMission]

We agree with a lot of what you're saying. It is unfortunate that many who come to our doors are not ready for long-term sobriety and life change. However, we witness many stories where men and women come back over the years, slowly growing more ready for the life-changing support we provide. We are proud to be a place where people can come to get basic needs met, and to be a place where they know they can return when they're ready to end their homelessness for good.

[@enigmaak8049]

Come to Seattle Seattle lost $$ 800 000 Have of which need pay to up like FBI slowly forget all this

[@jasonbariekman3487]

I could be wrong and I hope I am but Sally Winfrey I met you once at the Spokane public library and you have zero compassion for people. I have severe adhd and I cant tell you how rude you were to me.

[@ernestwilson35]

Listening to these people its apparent they still have know idea how to deal with homeless people. I'm a firm believer you can't treat all homeless people the same way. Some you can give them a house and they will appreciate it and some don't give a crap. They are human.

[@kingafendikingafendi8897]

It getting worst and worst there isn't any getting progress and progress it accumulated it snow balling , there isn't any plan for future there is any mapping for housing , low , middle and high end housing , it cannot has gap between the poor and the rich , the Billionaire is battling the Millionaire , there isn any middle class the poor is helping the the rich by maintaining cleanliness such as rubbish collection but the rich did not prepare for their accomodations their economies the poor has no money to survive the rich has money to maintain , the Goverment want popularity by saying good thing saying is not not phyical

[@jamesesmond4058]

To end homlessness. Get a building. Put in small secure rooms....and 24 hr security.....people.......

[@joshharmon4867]

James Esmond needs more than that, but a nice start.

[@Redneck_Wizard]

Druggies will still choose the streets.

[@kingafendikingafendi8897]

If the community counsel can do the then why you need to talk about homeless , talk to the Goverment why talk to the public

[@kingafendikingafendi8897]

Compassion is not an action to progress , by providing food and lodging is not q progress if the homeless still leave in the shelter for few years or on street and doesn't leave independently under their own shelter , the Goverment to be blame for not planning and mapping

[@JoannaMuse]

UGM is faith-based and that's what makes you successful.

[@jenniferwilcox9759]

Also makes them exclusionary to many (not just drug addicted) who could use their help. They're like any other organization...if you don't follow their rules (i.e. believe in Christianity the way they want you to) then you're denied help. That's not a real good example of what "faith-based" organizations are. Religious entities, yes, faith-based, no.

[@slukky]

@@jenniferwilcox9759 You speak from what experience, Jennifer? Of all the denoms I've seen over the last 60 yrs., I could say only a couple would turn away anyone in need just because of spiritual differences. If you decide to start a ruckus during a service, yes, you'll be escorted out or have the cops on you. It looks like you are projecting your own prejudices here.

[@slukky]

@Alan formula1 No, it's very rational, Alan. IF what you said is truly the case, then it is no different than a church congregation not hiring someone from a different faith, or an outright atheist, to pastor there. Anything less is confusion. God is not the Author of confusion. That takes mankind.

[@slukky]

@Alan formula1 You are transferring, Alan. Families help family first, like AmerIndians giving preference to fellow tribal members. And you didn't say what job you wanted. Clear communication is mandatory if you wish to be taken seriously on any social/non-verbal platform. Personally, I don't like working w/ non-believers. Whole other world of thought, speech, & practices. I know where you are. You have no idea who we are or what we believe. If you feel that convinced you are being illegally discriminated against, the place to go w/ your complaint is the courtroom, not some unsubstantiated smear campaign online.

[@heidigburski2672]

Look up CODAC in Rhode Island.

[@aquashock0689]

Spending 1 Billion a year will not solve the problem because when you give money to people, they will sometimes keep doing what they were doing to earn more money. WE should make it illegal to be walking around on the street homeless. but when we find a homeless person, we should give them a government job like building roads. We then pay them for building roads until they can support themselves. If they have mental problems or are on drugs, they should be put into custody until the drugs wear off or if they are mentally unstable, they should be put in an institution so they can harm the city no longer. Like K Reese said, the downtown keeps the city alive, and Spokane's downtown could use a makeover. But, if the government takes over the whole job instead of the church, the people will look to the government and its ways instead of the churches. The government can handle the law issues, but the church needs to handle the other things, so people will look to the church more and more because we helped them.

[@ddouglas8161]

To me, a shelter is very restrictive to what any homeless person can do. Plus, there are a lot of stupid laws too. I look to practice peer to peer solutions. Hence, I would look to trade. One thing I did with someone underneath the Browne Street Bridge was in exchange for a little of their time, I traded a box of Dominoes Pizza. They needed to eat, And I really wanted to hear their story of what lead them to being homeless; I sat down with them in the dirt, on the pavement, and in the grass and I got myself comfortable with them. I threw out the gesture that I am here for them not for an idea that no longer works. Their conversations were meaningful. One time as a college student in Downtown Spokane, I even ran into someone as he talked who understood a lot about artwork and history from it too. I was currently in need of help with an art appreciation course, I helped a man push his basket across the road in exchange for a few important notes to completing an assignment. A homeless person can possess skills we lack and vice versa. They are human just like us. Now you can give them money or you can exchange for something more meaningful. It is more meaningful for both of us to trade. To sit down and get a little dirt on your back pocket and to talk. Someone who is on drugs even. When someone is drunk or high, they do not take too well to being scolded. Instead they take better to a little laid back company and being asked how they can be of help in some occasions. Being praised for what little they have. Anybody can take this approach too, nobody has to be part of a church or an organized religion or even a charity to do this. This is exercise using common sense can accomplish.

[@UnionGospelMission]

Very well said, Darin. Thank you for contributing to the conversation and for doing your part to encourage positive connections with our friends experiencing homelessness.

[@edwardjenkins9586]

I was homeless in Spokane for the last 3 years. Most everything in this video is crap. The only people who care for the homeless... Is the other homeless people. If the homeless dont help the homeless... Who the fuck will?

[@chrishall8803]

Who fuck8ng care you bunch of dumb fuckers get a job

[@fainafaina8004]

"still bar-b-q everyday driving fancy cars"(C) Dr Dre

[@gachashortfilms6237]

They are not all drug addicts stop lying.

[@DarkMatterSprinkles]

I live 80 miles from Spokane in Idaho and its so nice here. I go to Spokane and all you see is drugs, human trafficking, homeless. Its a real bad place to be. Real bad place.

[@jenniferwilcox9759]

Really? That's "all" you see? You didn't truly visit Spokane, then. If I highlighted "all" is see when I visit Idaho, I'd have some far less rosy examples of what Idaho has to offer than what you infer from your comment.

[@kingafendikingafendi8897]

If not easy resign

[@kingafendikingafendi8897]

Hometeamless

[@truthovertribalism4038]

No one ever wants to talk about over-population. I have no kids. That is a 100% guarantee that no one will lose there life, property, or job opportunity due to my children. That is a value to the world. SUPPLY AND DEMAND APPLIES TO PEOPLE AS WELL.

[@ski8391]

imagine having homeless people this comment was made by the saint maries idaho gang

[@breanneworley4944]

Spokane issue is they have such long wait list for anything that can help them so they just give up. Spokane is impossible to start over again. It’s not worth even trying. I moved for this reason. It wasn’t possible.

[@michaelgossett3472]

Spokane started their homeless problem when they decided let's kick people out of their homes as far as apartments raise the rent get let's force them out of that old building and redo it into condos by bondage.. You get my point Nuff said

[@lindabest4624]

This documentary spanned from Nov. 23, -19 to April 30, -20. ""Give Me Shelter: The Story of the Cannon St., (Spokane} , Warming Center" The team leader, Julie Garcia, is an exceptional person, who could advise Spokane about effective, compassionate solutions.

[@UnionGospelMission]

We agree. She is doing incredible work.

[@donnaortiz9316]

Don't judge someone until you have walked in their shoes, you know they are so quick to look away cause its the easy thing to do

[@sallyclay1974]

This is a growing problem all over the US and Europe!

[@dominicrios3961]

Okay Sally Winfrey you encouraged a lot of people to come now haven't you

[@williameasley7262]

I know John Repsold - he pastors Mosaic fellowship on 3rd and Howard

[@jdusk3652]

None of these people are held accountable. The cops turn a blind eye as long as you look like a homeless person. When the tweakers and addicts can just live downtown, and along the river with no worries of being approached by police, then they tell their friends about it. A cop told me once that he didn't care if the homeless lived along the river because they were "out of sight". What about the river as a resource? A place to enjoy? I watched a tweaker pull her pants down and urinate while I was at the drive through of zips the other day. If that happened on the south hill, people would call the cops and they would come for sure. I called crime check and nothing happened. The cops in Spokane are utterly useless and their culture is filled with bravado and frat like mentality, rather that community minded.

[@carolynnordal6966]

I think this is a good video and some points are great- to do a holistic approach to homeless with dignity and support in all the areas- but importantly coming along side to be a companion and not to treat people as though they are down one- the concept of relationships is consistent with how Christ wants a relationship with us- never a down one position. Thankful also for Royal Life Center -Mead who takes out the van and offers people scholarships for treatment from drugs, mental health- the support of housing, jobs, case management ,mentoring,spiritual and most of all compassion -coming along side of the person -seeing the value in them while walking and supporting them 'after' they leave treatment in all the above area- Thanks, Royal Life Center[Mead]r for putting the suggestions in the video in action.Blessings

[@keithsparling5537]

First let's clarify who are the homeless, by mental or physical issues. Let's identify the FREELOADERS AND JUNKIES THAT USE THE HOMELESS SITUATION TO SUPPORT THEIR HABITS. THERE ARE MORE FRAUDS THAN THERE ARE GENUINELY DISABLED OR GENUINELY HOMELESS. Many are on the streets by choice! One in five people in this country (higher in Washington) collect disability. The whole thing is a sham. Drugs, meth especially are everywhere. Look at all the psychos walking your streets. Pathetic, people wearing blinders and pretending... Another great American city falls... to it's own greed, and weaknesses. This is liberalism at its finest... SELF DESTRUCTION...

[@jaygoodman384]

Hoopfest has to move now🤔

[@christopherschmidt4657]

We need more HUD vachers time to pay up

[@majorteal]

If they are spending about 80 thousand per man woman and child, how in heavens name do these people not have a decent roof over their heads and food in their stomachs? We do mean well but we aren't helping in the long run if they are still trapped in their condition. There has to be a better way.

[@UnionGospelMission]

Thanks for your comment. Just to clarify, that number is referencing what Seattle has been spending on solutions for helping those in homelessness. Spokane also spends a lot (over $161 Million in 10 years) but not nearly as much as Seattle. Our hope behind sharing Seattle's efforts was to show that money and buildings aren't a great solution in and of themselves. It's how we spend the money, how we help that matters. UGM believes that we must pair help with restoring dignity, and that means encouraging responsibility in the midst of charity. It's also important to note that there are some that refuse help. We have many shelters and food banks in Spokane but not everyone is willing to engage those organizations for the help they offer. It's incredibly sad, but we can't help those that aren't willing to receive it. When considering how to help you might ask, "what are the longterm effects of my help? Is it equipping them to rise up out of their situation, or is it enabling them to stay stuck?"

[@RustyIronProjectsRIP]

@@UnionGospelMission you hit the nail on the head, you have been helping my son for years now. He doesn't want to be helped or to help himself. Mental illness is a big part of it but the drug abuse keeps him on the streets. Thanks for all you do. Bless you all.

[@garyburner3042]

Beautiful Video and message

[@fariborzheydari8418]

10 %one off covid tax on the super rich.billions will be raised for the homeless and poor and unemployed

[@christopherolson8389]

Until homes are available why can't Spokane provide safe drug alcohol free camps for people.

[@luckyliuzhe]

Cancer of the city

[@thatguy1060]

This is a true and beautiful message. Everyone needs to see this.

[@Arshoon]

Capitalism is wonderful, isn't it? The rich and powerful want you to think so.

[@ralphjohnson3202]

Obviously socialism isn't working to well either.

[@Arshoon]

@@ralphjohnson3202 Mostly because it falls prey to every good idea: corrupt leaders.

[@levijames3205]

Why would it matter if homelessness is affecting business? I don’t even like the fact that most people spend most of their hours working for someone else. I want to see less profit driven people period. If homelessness is interrupting capitalism then that is a good thing. Imagine all the people who’d be helping if they did not have to surrender a large portion of their precious time to furthering “business” or working for a capitalist.

[@jackietobie5001]

You are a damn idiot!

[@keithsparling5537]

Less profit driven people? Yeah that will build a great community. How about starting by letting the police do their jobs! Most homeless ARE NOT VICTIMS!

[@glenndavis2762]

yea, every damn thing should just be free - cool plan bro

[@keithsparling5537]

It's those businesses that feed you and the other freeloaders like you Get a job, parasite.

[@slukky]

@@keithsparling5537 I know Levi, mister. He'll work you under & over the table any day! Keep your stupid smears to yourself, jerk!

[@ILoveWeedOregon]

Portland has sent many homeless people to Spokane. They give it out one way tickets to clean up their own streets. Sad. What we should do is put the homeless, that are able, to work. Help them build their life. Maybe take an area of town and make a tiny home community for these people as part of a program that comes from their work. Idk, just thinking of ideas