Program that helps people in need at downtown library to end

SPOKANE, Wash. — A vital service at the downtown Spokane Public Library will soon come to an end. The program that for the past two years has helped connect hundreds of homeless people with essential services will conclude Thursday due to funding loss.

The library partnered with the non-profit Peer Spokane to offer essential services to those who need it most. The program connected hundreds of people, many who are already at the library on a day-to-day basis, with things like emergency shelters, substance recovery organizations and employment help.

“We see the most variety of patrons and customers here at Central Library. And so that was the best place, to position, peer support specialist,” said Amanda Donovan of the Spokane Public Library.

The program was made possible thanks to a $400,000 grant awarded back in 2023. The grant money, as well as some stopgap funding from the city, has now run out, forcing the program to end.

“We had two support specialists from the majority of the two years. They provide services like connections to mental health resources, substance use, recovery, food, clothing, housing,” Donovan said.

The director of Peer Spokane says what makes this program work is meeting those in need where they are. They’ve helped 1,000 people over the past couple years.

“The ending of this program will leave a gap in providing services to our community,” Donovan said.

Library officials say that with this program ending, its safety team will do its best to connect people with services. But without these two peer specialists, both librarians and those who use the services will feel an impact.

“The librarians have loved having the peer support specialists here. They have such an empathetic approach to helping our community. And so now, that burden will fall on our librarians,” Donovan said.

The director of Peer Spokane worries when this program ends, the people who need help won’t be able to access it as easily as before.