Business owners in downtown continue to adapt to the presence of homeless individuals in the area, balancing compassion with maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for customers. While some report minimal issues, others note ongoing challenges, particularly with repeat offenders and access to facilities.
Allonda Brown, general manager for Mod Pizza downtown is trying to find that balance with the influx of people coming in from off the streets ““There’s a lot more since COVID,” says Brown.
“We let them get water until they abuse the privilege, and if we have food mess-ups, we’ll give it to them. We try to be kind, but there are limits.” Brown admits.
Some businesses have taken measures to control disruptions. At Downtown Bruchi’s, general manager Raul Jones recalled past issues before implementing access codes for restrooms.
“It got bad. Workers could never use it because people were sleeping in stalls, getting high,” Jones said. “Now there’s a code, but they still try to scam it out of you in any way.”
Crime trends also play a role in shaping downtown’s evolving landscape. While property crimes have generally declined, certain categories, such as vehicle theft and residential burglary, have surged by 38.79% and 50.75%, respectively. Violent crime has seen fluctuations, with aggravated domestic violence assaults rising by 44.44% in one period. However, overall crime rates have decreased by 10.28% year-to-date, suggesting some improvements in public safety.
At the same time, Spokane County faces significant housing affordability challenges, particularly for low-income households. Over 7,300 renters and nearly 8,000 homeowners spend more than 30% of their income on housing, while severe cost burdens impact thousands, especially those earning below 50% of the median family income. Low vacancy rates exacerbate the issue, making it difficult for lower-income renters to secure housing.
Not all business owners have seen a significant change. Kaylee Gaines-McGee, a manager at a Northwest-inspired coffee shop Atticus Coffee & Gifts for the last 7 years, said the homeless population in the area hasn’t drastically increased.
“The past year or so, we haven’t had too many issues,” Gaines-McGee said. “When problems happen, it’s very random, and it’s usually the same people.”
Efforts to address homelessness and housing instability are underway. Spokane County collaborates with various agencies to enhance housing programs, streamline service provision, and expand shelter access. The Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee (HCDAC) and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) work to allocate funding and resources strategically.
Law enforcement and policymakers continue to assess these trends, implementing targeted interventions to address crime hotspots and homelessness-related concerns. Business owners, while adapting to the new normal, remain hopeful that ongoing community efforts will foster a safer, more inclusive downtown for residents and visitors alike.
As downtown continues to evolve post-pandemic, business owners remain at the forefront of navigating homelessness, balancing enforcement with compassion as they adapt to an ever-changing reality. Despite concerns, many businesses work with security teams to ensure safety while maintaining empathy.
“We let them hang out as long as they’re not causing a disturbance,” Brown said. “Security helps so things don’t get too crazy.”
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