Spokane mayor proposes $1.2 million for Hope House shelter

In Spokane, Mayor Lisa Brown proposed allocating $1.2 million to prevent the closure of Hope House, a women's congregate shelter. This funding is derived from pandemic relief money, which typically requires a competitive process for allocation. However, the city council is questioning the legality of this proposal due to the absence of a Request for Proposals (RFP). Councilmember Michael Cathcart expressed concerns about the lack of competitive bidding, which is essential for ensuring the best value for services provided. The Volunteers of America (VOA), which operates Hope House, had previously applied for funding through an RFP process and received approximately $1.5 million for two projects. They initially sought an additional $1.3 million for Hope House but later withdrew this request, opting to direct available funds to other shelters instead. Just days after this withdrawal, Mayor Brown's proposal emerged, raising further questions about the funding's allocation. City officials, including Council Policy Advisor Chris Wright, are uncertain about the legal provisions that might allow for non-competitive funding in this case. The council has requested verification from the legal team regarding the compliance of the proposed funding with legal requirements. The situation is complicated by the city's current financial challenges, including a $10.9 million deficit, which has led some council members to question the fiscal prudence of the proposed funding. The city council is set to vote on the amendment to VOA's contract for Hope House on September 23, which will determine the future of the shelter and the use of the $1.2 million funding.