Volunteers of America Eastern Washington (VOA) will celebrate the grand opening of the new Crosswalk Youth Shelter at the new shelter on Thursday, August 28th from 1-3pm with remarks and dedication of Crosswalk Youth Shelter and Cannon Hall at 1pm.
Courtesy photo- VOA
Since 1985, Crosswalk has been more than just a shelter it’s been a lifeline says VOA but as Spokane has grown and changed so have the challenges faced by its youth. The Downtown shelter at 525 W. 2nd Ave. had become a place that did not meet the needs of the youth and could no longer support the full range of services youth need to thrive. When invited to help design their future shelter, youth described a fresh start – “a home in a neighborhood away from the stress of downtown, surrounded by green spaces and close to schools.” The new facility is bright, modern, and filled with natural light, was designed with the youth it serves, offering not just safety, but dignity and belonging.
The new Crosswalk Youth Shelter stands next to Spokane Community College, Chief Garry Park, CHAS Health, and VOA Young Adult Shelter at 1440 N. Haven. The new Crosswalk Shelter features a welcoming shelter space on the first floor, the second floor is named Cannon Hall and hosts dorm style rooms for youth enrolled in education or employment programs. And the third floor is home to the VOA administration team…