Hope House Spokane

Hope House: A Sanctuary for Spokane’s Women

Hope House is a foundation of support and strength, offering women experiencing homelessness in Spokane a place to rebuild their lives and embrace new opportunities. Originally founded in 1997 as the Downtown Women’s Shelter in response to the tragic serial murders of women on Spokane’s streets, Hope House has been operated by Volunteers of America since 2001. Today, it stands as a haven of safety, compassion, and renewal for women facing unimaginable challenges. 

A Safe Harbor from the Streets 

Every night, nearly 700 single women in Spokane face homelessness, many struggling with mental health challenges, substance use, or other barriers that leave them vulnerable. At Hope House, we provide more than shelter—we create a nurturing environment where women can heal, rebuild, and thrive. 

With 100 low-barrier beds available nightly, Hope House offers a safe place for women. Every guest is treated with dignity and respect, and receives access to essential services, including: 

• Basic Needs: Safe shelter, warm beds, showers, clean clothes, laundry, three nutritious meals a day, and hygiene supplies. 

• Individualized Care Plans: Developed using trauma-informed care, our team of clinicians, case managers, peer support specialists, support staff, and an onsite nurse helps women stabilize and set meaningful goals. 

• Medical Respite: Specialized care for 20 women recovering from hospitalizations or other health-related crises. 

• Behavioral Health Services: Onsite individual and group counseling, addressing untreated conditions, and building skills for transitioning to long-term care providers. 

• Substance Use Treatment and Support: Onsite AA/NA meetings and education services to help participants on their recovery journeys. 

• Referrals to Community Resources: Mental health, substance use, and physical health services, legal advocacy, financial counseling, and more. 

• Life Skills Training: Practical tools for independent living, from budgeting to relational skills. 

• Employment Readiness Programs: Resume building, job searches, and supportive employment services to foster financial independence. 

• Housing Support: Assessments to identify needs, application assistance (including fee support and tenant rights education), and access to permanent housing programs. 

• Peer Support Services: Providing encouragement and guidance from individuals with lived experience. 

• Transportation Assistance: Bus passes to help participants access critical appointments and opportunities. 

• Domestic Violence Advocacy: Specialized support for women escaping abusive environments. 

• Clothing Bank: Access to clothing for daily life, interviews, and more. 

• Medical Advocacy: Ensuring participants can navigate the healthcare system and access necessary treatments. 

Building Brighter Futures 

Hope House doesn’t just provide shelter—it’s a transformative step toward stability. Our services are designed to break the cycle of homelessness by equipping women with the skills, support, and resources needed to transition swiftly into permanent housing and achieve independence. 

By addressing the root causes of homelessness, including untreated health conditions, lack of resources, and systemic barriers, Hope House helps women find their way back to safety and stability. These women are grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and daughters—each with their own story and their own potential. 

We are grateful for the support from the following foundations