Crosswalk Youth Shelter

Crosswalk Youth Shelter: A Pillar of Hope for Spokane’s Homeless Youth 

For nearly four decades, Crosswalk Youth Shelter has been a sanctuary for youth experiencing homelessness in Spokane and neighboring counties. Established in 1985, it stands as the only licensed emergency shelter in Eastern Washington dedicated to serving runaway and homeless youth aged 13-18. Crosswalk is a haven that offers shelter, safety, stability, and hope to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. 

Every day, homeless youth face unimaginable challenges: the risk of exploitation, mental health struggles, substance use, and the constant fear of survival. Crosswalk provides a refuge from these dangers, offering 24-hour, low-barrier emergency shelter and a comprehensive system of care to help young people recover, rebuild, and thrive. 

Guided by a Positive Youth Development approach, Crosswalk fosters a safe and structured environment where youth can reclaim their dignity and envision a promising future. Through strong relationships with compassionate adults, youth gain the tools, support, and encouragement they need to break free from the cycle of homelessness and become self-sufficient. 

Services That Transform Lives 
At Crosswalk, we believe that every young person deserves a chance to succeed. Our shelter offers a wide range of on-site services designed to meet immediate needs while addressing long-term challenges. These include: 

• Wraparound Case Management: Tailored support to guide youth on their unique paths to stability. 

• Daily Essentials: Three nutritious meals a day, access to clothing, hygiene supplies, showers, and laundry facilities. 

• Education and Employment Support: On-site GED program, scholarship opportunities, employment readiness training, and a computer lab. 

• Health and Wellness Resources: Behavioral health counseling, substance use treatment and education, medical advocacy, and access to mental health care. 

• Life Skills Training: Programs that teach practical skills for independent living. 

• Family Reconciliation Services: Support for restoring connections with loved ones, when possible. 

• Access to Housing Resources: Transitional housing programs and bus passes to help youth transition into stability. 

Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness 
Crosswalk does more than address immediate needs—it equips youth with the skills and resilience to achieve long-term stability. By embedding behavioral health counselors and fostering a community of support, we help youth build self-esteem, heal from trauma, and develop the independence needed to transition into adulthood successfully. 

Every youth who walks through our doors is given a chance to rewrite their story. Crosswalk helps prevent adult homelessness by addressing its root causes early, offering a path to stability, self-sufficiency, and hope. 

Why Crosswalk Matters 
Spokane has become a hub for homeless youth from surrounding regions, many of whom gravitate to the city seeking safety. Unfortunately, they often face heightened risks of exploitation, poor health, and involvement with the criminal justice system. Crosswalk meets these urgent needs head-on, providing a safe alternative to life on the streets and helping youth overcome the barriers that hold them back. 

We are grateful for the support from the following foundations

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