Mayor Proposes Partnership with VOA to Sustain Operations @ Hope House

Mayor Brown Proposes Partnership with Volunteers of America to Sustain Operations at Hope House

Erin Hut, Communications Director, 509.625.6740

Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 1:02 p.m.

Mayor Lisa Brown is proposing the City of Spokane enter a new partnership with Volunteers of America (VOA) to avoid the impending closure of Hope House and instead maintain operations to continue serving local women experiencing homelessness.

Mayor Brown's proposal includes a one-time grant of $1.2 million so Hope House can continue to serve this population. The funding has been made available as a result of cost-saving measures initiated by the Brown Administration over the City's Trent Resource and Assistance Center contract.

The contract negotiated by the former Administration did not include monthly caps and resulted in invoices of over $1 million per month. Quickly after taking office, the Brown Administration renegotiated the TRAC contract, capping monthly costs at $620,000 while maintaining services, resulting in surplus savings that can now be used to assist Hope House.

Nearly 95 percent of funding for the City's work involving homeless services and affordable housing efforts comes directly from federal and state resources.

"Volunteers of America was facing the difficult reality of having to close Hope House's doors as winter approached. With no additional investment from Commerce, Spokane County or the private sector, the City of Spokane rose to the occasion and invested in the lives of these women. They recognized the impact Hope House has in our community and stepped up to keep our doors open," said VOA CEO Fawn Schott.

"When the City of Spokane learned that Hope House might have to close its doors, leaving 80 women out on the streets, we knew we could not, in good conscience, say 'no.' We knew we must step in and do whatever it took to keep these women safe and supported," Mayor Lisa Brown said.

In the coming year, VOA will develop a new approach to stabilization and assist women in their transition to permanent, appropriate housing. VOA intends to replace current emergency congregate shelter operations with stabilization and respite care to better respond to those with complex needs.

VOA will provide service-rich, short-term housing to support early recovery and preparation for independent living that integrates clinical behavioral health, independent living skills, and housing placement. Upon exit of Hope House's stabilization, women will integrate into community housing to sustain recovery and have skills and supports from the VOA clinical team to remain permanently housed.

"The City of Spokane is looking forward to being a partner as they transition to a new model that we know helps women get back on their feet," Brown said.

The City Council will soon consider a resolution based on Mayor Brown's proposal.

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