STATE OF WASHINGTON

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
1011 Plum Street SE  PO Box 42525  Olympia, Washington 98504-2525  360-725-4000
www.commerce.wa.gov

December 3, 2020

The Honorable Nadine Woodward

Mayor of Spokane
202 W Spokane Falls Blvd
Spokane, WA 99201

Dear Mayor Woodward,

The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded the City of Spokane $2.7 million to
establish a new shelter for young adults because we recognize this as a critical need in the
region’s homelessness crisis response system.

According to the youth by-name-list, Spokane County consistently sees 50-60 young adults (ages
18-24) experiencing unsheltered homelessness on a monthly basis, yet there is no age-
appropriate space for these young people to get off the street, find safety, and get the support
they need to secure permanent housing.

Directing young people to adult shelters is not an adequate solution. Research shows that young
people face significant barriers to accessing adult shelters due to risks of victimization, adverse
shelter conditions, inability of adult shelters to meet their needs, and a desire to differentiate
themselves from older homeless individuals.

Through a partnership between A Way Home Washington and Commerce’s Office of Homeless
Youth Prevention and Protection, Spokane was chosen as one of four Anchor Communities in
the state. As an Anchor Community, Spokane has committed to end youth and young adult
homelessness by the end of 2022. Significant state and philanthropic resources have been
dedicated to this effort and momentum is building for Washington State to become a national
leader in its approach. Achieving the 2022 goal rests upon the philosophy of creating a “Yes to
Yes” system where communities can say “yes” without hesitation when young people ask for
help.

I am disappointed to learn that the leadership of the city has not agreed to locate a young adult
shelter within the city borders. Political boundaries are invisible to young people who have no
home because they’ve been kicked out, fled abusive relationships, exited foster care, or simply
cannot afford rent. Furthermore, young adults would benefit from being located near the
educational, health and human service resources provided within the city.
Mayor Nadine Woodward
December 3, 2020
Page 2

I call on the leadership of the city of Spokane to reconsider this decision. Please put the needs of
young people first and say “yes” to their safety and stability.

Sincerely,

Lisa Brown
Director

Cc: Breean Beggs, Council President

Kate Burke, Council member
Michael Cathcart, Council member
Betsy Wilkerson, Council Member
Lori Kinnear, Council Member
Candace Mumm, Council Member
Karen Stratton, Council Member
Diane Klontz, Assistant Director, Department of Commerce
Kim Justice, Director of the Office of Homeless Youth