SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – The Spokane County Board of Commissioners have approved the execution of an agreement with Volunteers of America of Eastern Washington and North Idaho (VOA) to provide $20,000 to support the VOA Homeward Bound Project.
The Homeward Bound Project will run through December 31, 2022 and will provide regional relocation funding for individuals throughout the community. This funding will be available to people in the community who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability locally that have stable supports in another community and wish to return to that community.
Chair of the Spokane County Board of Commissioners, Mary Kuney, stated, “Similar relocation models have been successful around the country and here we are experiencing the need for relocation assistance for individuals fleeing domestic violence situations and youth who find themselves in this area without a family support system. The Homeward Bound Project will benefit the residents of Spokane County by reducing the number of individuals who are alone and stranded by giving them an opportunity to return to their communities where they have their own resources and support system in place.”
Commissioner Josh Kerns said, “I have long been a supporter of this type of program. This program will replicate similar programs throughout the County that have proven successful. For a relatively small amount of money, we are able to get people back to their homes while also opening up services to those who need it the most in our community.”
Commissioner Al French added, “This program is another example of the compassion that we as a community have for those struggling with homelessness and separation from their loved ones. This will help reunite families, even if they are in other communities.”
Fawn Schott, Chief Executive Officer at VOA concluded, “"VOA is looking forward to supporting individuals on their journey out of homelessness and assisting them in returning to locations that provide them with necessary supports to rebuild their lives."