Spokane city leaders urge residents to continue donating to homelessness funding drive

Spokane city leaders are asking citizens to once again give this summer to the “Give Real Change” initiative, a project that has raised more than $15,000 to support homeless support services.

Mayor David Condon and Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer were among the officials on the streets of downtown Thursday morning, urging commuting motorists to give to the program. It was launched last summer to assist fundraising for the city’s 24/7 homeless shelter system and other services for those living on the streets.

Orange meters have been placed downtown, at the Spokane Transit Authority Plaza and Spokane International Airport to collect donations. They accept change, cash or credit cards.

Those in need of assistance are urged to call the city’s 311 hotline, or the state’s 211 line to get directly connected with service providers.