Volunteers of America is a local organization that helps people move from Spokane and start a new life elsewhere. While most people would like to return to Spokane, relocation is often necessary to find a new support system. Volunteers of America helps these individuals by offering financial assistance for the cost of train or bus tickets, food during travel, and hotel rooms. The group also pays for Social Security cards and rental deposits. In addition, the organization receives funding from the state to assist those under the age of 24.
Various assistance programs
Spokane Volunteers of America has a number of different assistance programs that can be used by people in need. Spokane’s infant crisis bank, for example, is a valuable resource for low-income families and single parents with infants under three years of age. These services are available in various locations in Spokane County, including Cathedral Plaza, Park Tower, Coeur d’Alene Plaza, and the Tri-Cities area. Some of the services they provide are free or are offered on a sliding-fee basis.
Volunteers of America’s family services include mentoring and early literacy programs. The organization also provides before-and-after-school programs and summer camps for young people. In addition, it provides job training for older youth and a variety of leadership development programs. A number of volunteers also deliver meals to homebound individuals.
Another program that Spokane Volunteers of America offers is their Homeward Bound Project, which helps those who are leaving Spokane start a new life elsewhere. While most people would prefer to return to their home communities, Volunteers of America’s Homeward Bound Project is designed to ensure that they have a solid support system in a new community. This relocation process can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. Typically, volunteers of America helps their clients with these costs. The organization also helps people with housing and social security cards.
Hope House shelter
The Spokane Volunteers of America Hope House is a nonprofit that offers temporary shelter for women and children who are experiencing homelessness. The organization also offers case management and information about community resources. Its goal is to help those in need find permanent housing in Spokane. While utilizing this shelter is not a perfect solution for homelessness, it does offer several valuable services that help individuals find stability.
The new building opened last year, expanding its capacity to accommodate 80 women. Since then, it has helped more than 200 women find housing and placed dozens into permanent housing. However, the nonprofit organization is facing a budget shortfall, and if the organization cannot find additional funding soon, it will have to give six-week layoff notices to its staff.
Maud’s House prisoner re-entry program
The Maud’s House prisoner reentry program in Spokane, Washington was founded in June 2008. It offers wrap-around support for people who are newly released from jail or prison. Its partners include VOA, Goodwill Industries, Transitions, and Spokane County.
Continuum of Care
The Continuum of Care is a coordinated system that helps Spokane’s homeless find housing. The system has two parts, a homeless shelter and an outreach program. Each has a different role to play in helping homeless individuals. Together, these two parts create a comprehensive approach to helping homeless individuals in Spokane.
Through the Continuum of Care, homeless youth are helped transition from crisis to stability. The program works in partnership with local organizations like Priority Spokane and Building Change. It places community health workers in elementary schools where they can meet with families who are experiencing homelessness. This helps to prevent child trauma from homelessness.
The Spokane Resource Center was recently designated as a HUD EnVision Center, one of only 17 sites across the country. The goal is to provide wraparound services to help people stay in their housing and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
