Catholic Charities is planning to move its flagship homeless shelter, House of Charity, outside of Spokane’s downtown core.
Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington CEO Rob McCann announced the move alongside Mayor Nadine Woodward Wednesday, saying the shelter can provide better services elsewhere.
“We are working with our clients even as we're standing here today talking,” he said, “our staff is meeting with our clients trying to tell them about what we plan to do, why we're doing it, and how it's going to be an even better location that's going to give them even more services.”
The House of Charity has previously housed up to 400 unsheltered people at once, at the city’s request. That policy led to complaints from neighboring businesses, and safety issues for both shelter workers and residents.
McCann told reporters that House of Charity’s future site will be announced after the non-profit meets with prospective neighbors. Catholic Charities says the new shelter will offer more services, and separate sleeping areas for different genders, as well as an area where couples can stay.
The downtown location will still be available during weather emergencies, and will remain open serving the homeless for now.
