Mission

Through a collaborative and holistic approach, VOA provides safe, affordable housing, access to resources, and personalized care for all to thrive

Our Impact

VOA helps under-served people in the Inland Northwest to achieve their full potential. Our services are locally designed to address the most pressing social issues in our community—especially the current need to eliminate homelessness in the region.
Where we can’t prevent it, we provide decisive intervention for the chronically homeless through outreach, emergency shelter and programs that encourage medical stability among some of our community’s most often forgotten- street youth, women, disabled adults and veterans. We walk beside people as they transition out of homelessness, offering education and opportunity all along the way.
Most importantly, we believe in the power of housing to transform lives. That’s why we work to get displaced individuals into their own housing as quickly as possible so that they can begin the work of rebuilding their lives and achieving long-term stability and independence.
We draw on more than a century of local experience combined with the reach of a nationwide movement that is: bonded by a commitment to hope, human dignity and social justice; dedicated to actively engaging volunteers in the community; and committed to the highest quality of service.

Our Story

Early beginnings:

• In April of 1887, Ballington and Maude Booth assumed the role of the new commanders of the Salvation Army. On March 1, 1896, Ballington and Maud announced that they would start a new organization. This marked the birth of Volunteers of America. The year 1896 saw the Volunteers of America grow from an idea to a full-fledged permanent organization. 
• Spokane became one of VOA’s earliest affiliate chapters just three years later, making Spokane one of the first places where VOA’s mission took root. Over the years, VOA’s Spokane branch grew to address many community needs — from shelter and food to services for veterans, women, youth, and people experiencing homelessness.

1985, Crosswalk opens its doors:

• Spokane’s first (and still only) licensed emergency shelter for homeless youth was born. Crosswalk began downtown as a day-use center, later expanding into a 24-hour safe haven for teens ages 13-17 years of age. Since opening, thousands of youth have found safety, stability, and belonging within its walls.

1997, Hope House: A place of safety for women:

• Sisters of Providence opened a downtown women’s shelter during the 80’s when a serial killer began preying on our city’s most vulnerable woman. When the Sisters of Providence could no longer sustain their women’s shelter, they entrusted it to VOA, ensuring that women in crisis would always have a place to turn. Hope House continues Sister Loretta Marie’s legacy of compassion, offering more than shelter – offering hope, dignity, and a path forward.

2000’s, Expanding home and heart:

• As Spokane’s needs grew, so did VOA’s reach. The organization opened housing for veterans, young mothers, foster youth, a young adult shelter, and permanent supportive housing for adults who face significant barriers to remaining stably housed. Each program was designed around one simple belief: everyone deserves a home and a community that cares.

2024, Vets on Lacey breaks ground:

• A 12-unit construction begins a permanent supportive housing project for veterans and their families. The site will soon become home for those who served our country and are now rebuilding their lives.

2025, A new era for Crosswalk and a new independent living program:

• After 40 years downtown, Crosswalk Youth Shelter moves into a brand-new, youth-designed building off Mission Avenue adjacent to our Young Adult Shelter (YAS), CHAS Health, and Spokane Community College. With sunlight, fenced outdoor space, classrooms, and safety away from downtown’s dangers, it’s more than a shelter. It’s a promise kept to Spokane’s homeless youth.

Coming in 2026:

• Cannon Hall will soon be home to our Supportive Independent Living Program, offering single occupancy, dorm style rooms with shared living spaces for unaccompanied youth and young adults ages 16-20 who are enrolled in school or maintaining steady employment.

Today, 125+ years of serving Spokane and counting:

• From feeding the hungry in 1899 to housing and mental health support for our 13 programs today, VOA remains steadfast: we lift people up when life knocks them down.