City of Spokane
Community Update
January 18, 2022
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Check Your Fresh Air Intake And Exhaust Pipes
Heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, and fire deaths.
Spokane Fire reminds residents to make sure their fresh air intake and exhaust pipes are free of snow and shrubs. A blocked exhaust vent or appliance vent, such as a dryer vent, could result in carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important for everyone to check their vents frequently during periods of heavy or blowing snow.
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Shaping Spokane Virtual Open House
The 2021 Housing Action Plan provided several recommendations and the City planning department has organized them in phases for completion to address the housing crisis.
These virtual public open houses will share information and gather input on the proposals. The open houses will be available online and by phone over the Webex meeting platform.
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National Blood Shortage - Donate Now!
There is a national blood and platelet shortage as the blood supply faces a historic, two-year-low, including type O, the most transfused blood type and critical during emergencies. Make an appointment with Vitalant now to help ensure patients have the blood they need. |
Space Heater Safety Tips
This month's tragic fire in New York City killed 19 people and has been determined to have been caused by a malfunctioning space heater. Please take time to check your portable space heater and follow Spokane Fire's safety tips.
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Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of four free at-home tests from USPS.com. Here’s what you need to know about your order:
- Limit of one order per residential address
- One order includes four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
- Orders will ship free starting in late January
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Human Trafficking Awareness Month
In 2021, the FBI Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force in Spokane was responsible for 20 criminal convictions, four federal indictments, and bringing justice for 26 victims, including five children, and their families.
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NEWTech Skill Center SPD Orientation
This video highlights the type of training and experiences that are part of SPD's Explorer and Police Cadet programs. On this day students from the NEWtech Skills Center in Spokane spent some time at the Police Academy learning about the programs. A handful of them have applied and been accepted as Explorers! |
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Local COVID-19 Data
For the most recent and local data on cases and outcomes, visit SRHD.org. Track State of Washington information with these interactive dashboards for updates. |
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All Washington Residents Age 5+ Eligible for Vaccine
All Washingtonians age 5 and up are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The Governor and the state Department of Health (DOH) have also prioritized equity issues to ensure vaccine access to populations disproportionately affected by the virus, including communities of color and low-income communities.
The CDC now recommends that everyone ages 18+ receive a COVID-19 booster shot, including those who received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccines. Get more information and read CDC’s media statement. |
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Local Vaccination Distribution Information
Three COVID-19 vaccines have been approved, and are widely accessible throughout the state. Information on the vaccine and its distribution in Washington is found on the DOH website. Learn more details on the SRHD website.
State COVID-19 Information Hotline
1-800-525-0127 (press #)
- 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Mon.
- 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tues. - Sun. and holidays
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CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People
Currently authorized vaccines in the United States are highly effective at protecting vaccinated people against symptomatic and severe COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published updated interim recommendations for people who have been fully vaccinated. Until more is known and vaccination coverage increases, some prevention measures will continue to be necessary for all people, regardless of vaccination status. |
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Need Access to Food?
Need Mental Health Help?
Contact 24/7: Frontier Crisis Line (877) 266-1818
Contact or Walk-In: Inland Northwest Behavioral Health (509) 992-1888
CHAS Health: (509) 444-8200
Excelsior Wellness Center: (509) 559-3100
Help for children, adults and families is available via telehealth.
Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255
Need Resources?
Call Washington 211 at 2-1-1 or (866) 904-9060 to speak to a local agent
Apply for Basic Food assistance over the phone!
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Lutheran Community Services: (509) 747-8224
Intensive Behavioral Health, Victim Advocacy and Foster Care, are available.
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Resident Assistance
The impacts of COVID have created hardships for people in many ways. The City continues to connect residents with available and eligible resources.
Utility Assistance
The City’s U-Help program provides low-income households with emergency financial assistance to help pay for their City utility bills, which include charges for water, wastewater, stormwater and garbage collection. Through the end of 2021, the program includes additional flexibility to allow more customers to receive help. Assistance is available by calling SNAP at 509-456-SNAP.
Interest-free payment plans are available for residential and commercial customers today. An easy-to-use online form is available on the City’s website. |
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Spokane Rewards. Spokane Solves. Spokane Gives |
The City of Spokane is a great place to combine community support with expertise. There are over 30 Boards, Commissions and Committees made up of volunteers who help shape our community. If you have one day a year, or one day a week, there is an opportunity for you. Pick your passion and get involved! |
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Are you looking for an opportunity to contribute to our community’s work in providing temporary housing, permanent housing, and supportive services to citizens of Spokane County? The mission of the community-based City of Spokane/Spokane County Regional Continuum of Care (CoC) is to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-reoccurring in our area by fostering shared responsibility among stakeholders and coordinating resources essential to the success of local plans to end homelessness.
CoC Board members are responsible for approving and implementing the CoC’s Plan to End Homelessness and providing leadership, oversight, and accountability for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development CoC projects in Spokane County. Time commitments for this work range between 5-10 hours a month of attending meetings, serving on subcommittees, and researching issues our community faces in addressing housing needs. Board members serve five-year terms.
The CoC is looking for applicants for four new board positions. The CoC needs one individual representing each of the following: Education (K-12); Law and Justice systems; Nonprofit (Temporary Housing); and Business. Applications are due Monday, Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. |
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Host Your Next DEI Training With Us At No Cost
The Equity & Community Inclusion Center, inside the Resource Center of Spokane County, is a dedicated space that supports the Spokane Community in achieving a greater level of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The center is equipped with onsite accessibility services (available upon request) and lots of free parking. Schedule your upcoming DEI training at no cost to you or your business here. Note: Event capacity may be limited to 20 attendees to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
Walk-in customers are welcome, no appointment necessary. To learn more about the Resource Center of Spokane County’s vital services, resources, and support, please visit their website. |
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Winter Wonders: Registration for Spring Flag Football Is Open
Spokane Parks and Recreation has open registration for Spring Flag Football! Whether you're looking for the highest level of competition or just to have some fun, this league is for you. With multiple divisions from elite to recreational, our league is perfect for all skill levels. Choose 8v8 or 5v5. Get a team together or join as a free agent. Register today! |
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On the Bright Side
Spokane Fire's Stormin' Norman made his rounds this afternoon inspecting hydrants around the City. This one gets the nod of approval with its 3 foot parameter of snow removal.
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