An Emerging Crisis
The vacancy rate for low-income housing in Spokane hovers around 1.5 percent—meaning that, on average, for every 66 existing units only one is available—leaving roughly 200 people clamoring for one bedroom.
This emerging affordable-housing crisis has a terrible impact on vulnerable populations—forcing the impoverished, the ill, the elderly to find low-income housing where there is none. As the Spokesman Review recently reported, “In a tight rental market, very few options exist for … residents—veterans, elderly, sex offenders and others with mental or physical disabilities-who live on as little as $339 a month.”
Stepping Forward
our expertise put to use
Volunteers of America is uniquely poised to respond to the sudden loss of so many units. We have been serving the Inland Northwest’s most vulnerable populations for more than 100 years.
Our Hope House women’s shelter, Crosswalk teen shelter, transitional housing programs and other emergency services have taught us that never giving up on people means giving them opportunities to realize their potential.
Everyday, we walk alongside men and women struggling to overcome chronic homelessness. After all, providing shelter from the storms of life and a steady hand for the bumps in the road is what we do best.
As the sudden influx of need hit the already stretched homeless services in our community, our staff was on the front lines—building relationships with local landlords, connecting with community resources and engaging in the community planning process.
Rebuilding Lives
breaking the cycle
Since 2007, our permanent supportive housing program has grown from just 16 apartments to nearly 70 one-bedroom units scattered at seven sites throughout the Spokane area. Residents pay 30% of their income toward rent and utilities. The remainder is paid through grants and donations.
This program serves displaced persons living in poverty. Our residents are often elderly with disabilities, have little income and battle mental illness, chemical dependency, HIV/AIDS, other physical health problems, disabilities and/or chronic homelessness.
This permanent housing that can be used as long as needed and includes the supportive services of a case manager who works with displaced men and women to secure stable housing and gather the supports that help individuals rebuild their whole lives. Our staff fosters an environment of dignity, respect and compassion that honors the intrinsic value and unique experience of each individual who comes through our doors.
Supportive Services
building the potential to come home for good
Various community partners either refer clients to the program and/or provide support services to program residents. This collaboration is the key to obtaining timely services for our residents including:
The program is experiencing massive growth, with nearly 70 one-bedroom apartments (up from 16 in just two years) scattered throughout Spokane and a waiting list 50 individuals long.
Office: 509.328.4685
Fax: 509.326.5080