Julie Happy, 509.625.7773
Monday, October 30, 2017 at 12:58 p.m.
In honor of our veterans, the City has partnered with Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest to dedicate the month of November to serving those who have served.
Goodwill Industries will collect new donated items November 8-22 to provide basic needs and move-in items for veterans who are moving into an apartment or house after experiencing homelessness. Items include new bath towels, new bed sheets, toilet paper, and personal care items.
“Our veterans come from all branches of the military and all eras of conflict,” said Mayor David Condon at a news briefing this morning. “Some are struggling to maintain a safe roof over their head, put food on their tables, meet the basic necessities that you and I enjoy, and earn a stable income.”
The Veteran Leadership Committee of the Spokane Continuum of Care launched a new initiative this spring to map out a collaborative process to identify veterans who are homeless and connect them to services they need. The committee will examine and evaluate the current homelessness system, identify gaps in the response system, and develop action steps for the Continuum of Care. The agencies are seeking to expand partnerships amongst agencies throughout the region toward the goal of ending veteran homelessness in Spokane.
Another emphasis during the month of November is finding available housing for veterans. Goodwill’s SSVF program, Volunteers of America, and others work closely with veterans and landlords who have an apartment or home for rent to smooth the transition for veterans into permanent housing. For more information about housing a veteran, call 509.321.3348.
“It should not be acceptable to us that even one veteran is experiencing homelessness in this great community,” said Clark Brekke, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries. “They have sacrificed, and served so that you and I might have freedom. It is for these men and women that Goodwill, the City of Spokane, Spokane Housing Authority, HealthCare for Homeless Veterans, Volunteers of America, and so many other agencies are partnering together to serve our veterans, striving to end veteran homelessness in Spokane.”
Donated items can be dropped at several Goodwill Industries locations throughout the area:
