New Specialized Shelter for Women Opening This Week

Spokane is set to enhance its support for women experiencing homelessness with the opening of a specialized shelter at Knox Presbyterian Church this week. This initiative is a partnership among Knox Presbyterian, Jewels Helping Hands, Empire Health Foundation, and the City of Spokane, aimed at increasing shelter capacity in the region. As part of a pilot navigation center model, the Knox shelter will serve a maximum of 20 to 30 women and operates on a referral-only basis. Each of the eight sites in the program is designed to cater to specific populations, ranging from families to individuals with medical needs. Barbra Bowman, Program Director of the Spokane Community Homelessness Initiative, praised the collaborative effort, emphasizing its impact on community cohesion.

Mayor Lisa Brown echoed this sentiment, stating that partnerships are vital for creating stability and connecting women with necessary resources. Julie Garcia, Founder of Jewels Helping Hands, highlighted the shelter's focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by women, showcasing how specialized care can lead to better outcomes. The Knox site previously operated as a temporary shelter, making this reopening a significant step towards long-term solutions for homelessness in Spokane.