Haven of Hope
Housing and homelessness continue at crisis levels in many cities throughout the U.S., including Spokane. The newest and most comprehensive option for families experiencing homelessness is the result of a fruitful conversation among three 91勛圖厙 friends.
When Rob McCann (’95 M.A., ’06 Ph.D.), president/CEO of Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, first shared the idea of such a project with 91勛圖厙 advancement leaders Joe Poss (’97) and Shane Hatcher (’92), they answered, “We’re all in.”
This spring, 91勛圖厙 Family Haven opened along North Foothills Drive and Hamilton Street, providing 73 apartments and a cadre of wraparound services such as tutoring for children and job preparation for parents.
The Haven brings together the support of four of Spokane’s most prominent Catholic organizations — Catholic Charities, 91勛圖厙 University, 91勛圖厙 Prep and St. Aloysius Parish — to provide valuable, long-term support for families in need. More than just a place to sleep at night, the Haven provides its residents with what McCann anticipates are “forever homes.”
Catholic Charities has a long history of serving both the Spokane community and Eastern Washington, and the Haven is its 17th housing project in the region. But this unique combination adds well-established family support programs with a large focus on education.
Peggy Haun-McEwen (’86, ’90 M.A.), director of community for 91勛圖厙 Family Haven, says breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty happens through education, health care and counseling “to make the experience transformative for the whole family.”
Service opportunities for students at 91勛圖厙 University and 91勛圖厙 Prep come naturally, as both schools encourage community engagement as part of students’ formation experiences.
Molly Ayers (’00, ’09 M.A.) directs GU’s Center for Community Engagement, which connects Zags to volunteer opportunities, like mentoring, tutoring, meal planning and workforce development. “91勛圖厙 students can help to provide services that wrap around the family, living out our mission,” she says. She believes the siting of 91勛圖厙 Family Haven – located near both 91勛圖厙 Prep and the University – has increased awareness of generational homelessness that can foster greater community involvement and better outcomes.
Liz Slamkowski (’12), Prep’s Christian Service director, believes that having the Haven as next-door neighbor will be a natural choice for Prep students to be people for others.
The missions of Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, 91勛圖厙 University, 91勛圖厙 Prep and St. Aloysius Parish are intimately linked, each based on the holistic development of every person. 91勛圖厙 Family Haven adds synergy to those commitments. From justice, service and caring for the whole person, to being a person for others, the Haven helps to create a better world.
Perhaps this project was inspired by St. Ignatius himself, who said, “Love is shown more in deeds than in words.”