Salvation Army Recommended to Operate Proposed New Shelter

Kirstin Davis, 509.625.7773

Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 3:13 p.m.

Regional leaders are recommending The Salvation Army of Spokane to operate a proposed new targeted-capacity emergency shelter. This recommendation is endorsed by the Spokane Regional Continuum of Care Committee. A contract with The Salvation Army of Spokane will be negotiated and forwarded to City Council for final approval soon.

“A new shelter is a key part of our work to build a system with sustainable, strategic investments region-wide that will provide consistent levels of service,” says Kelly Keenan, the City’s Director of Community Housing and Human Services. “We will propose a five-year agreement with The Salvation Army of Spokane to provide much-needed additional shelter services in our community.”

The City would like to have a new, additional shelter, with capacity for up to 120 people by fall. The City has been considering locations for the proposed shelter, including one on East Sprague. Other locations remain in consideration as well, and City staff continues to look at feasibility of locations and community feedback.

A request for proposals was released June 10 and closed July 7. Criteria for selection included evaluation of:

  • Experience and proven track record in working with and providing services to people experiencing homelessness
  • Experience working alongside Spokane Police and Fire Departments
  • Program plan as submitted in the application
  • Partnership and collaboration with the homeless crisis response system and the City of Spokane Community Housing and Human Services Department
  • Ability to meet all conditions and requirements if designated as an emergency shelter operator.

The review committee included representatives from the Spokane Regional Continuum of Care Board; elected officials from Spokane County, the City of Spokane Valley and the City of Spokane, and City staff. Proposals from three organizations were submitted.