Not every battle ends when the uniform comes off. For many veterans, the fight for stability and belonging continues long after their service. Thanks to your incredible support, that fight is being met with compassion, housing, and hope.

This January, Vets on Lacey will open its doors. Twelve brand-new homes designed to give veterans a safe place to rebuild their lives after homelessness. Each key handed over represents more than shelter; it’s a symbol of renewal, healing, and second chances.

For Mark, that second chance meant reconciling with his wife. After separating, he entered our program to find stability and space to start over. With the help of VOA staff and couples counseling, Mark and his wife reunited on October 30th - stronger, hopeful, and ready to move forward together.

Lee’s story reminds us that even a small setback can shake a life off balance. After losing his income, he could no longer afford his rent. Through our Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, Lee received the help he needed to get back on his feet. Today, he’s housed again with the same landlord who believed in him from the start.

For T.G., the loss of housing was a turning point that led to transformation. While staying with VOA, he was awarded VA Service-Connected Disability benefits and was soon able to move into permanent housing. “Having a roof over my head meant I could finally focus on healing,” he shared. A simple truth that speaks volumes.

And for George, home meant finding peace after loss. When his mother passed away and the family home was sold, he was left sleeping in his car. With your support, George now lives in a welcoming 55+ community, surrounded by comfort, safety, and dignity.

These are more than success stories. They’re testaments to what happens when a community stands behind those who’ve stood for all of us. Because of you, our veterans are not just finding homes, they’re finding their footing, their families, and their futures.

At VOA, we are proud to have veterans as part of our team. Your courage and dedication didn’t end when you left the uniform. You bring that same strength, integrity, and heart to every aspect of your work here. The sacrifices you made for our country are matched by the care and compassion you show in serving our community every day. We are grateful for your continued service, and we are honored to work alongside you, witnessing firsthand the difference you make in the lives of the people we serve.

Thank you for making sure no hero is left behind! 

✨NEW ADDRESS REMINDER ✨

As you know, we’ve officially moved! But. . . turns out not all of our mail got the same memo. If you’ve had something returned recently, you’re not alone. Some of our mail has gone on a trip back to your front door instead of being forwarded to us. We’re working on it and appreciate your patience while the USPS system catches up!

Thanks for sticking with us during this transition. Here’s our new address in case you need to resend us your well wishes! If you are sending donations directly through your financial institution, please remember to share with them as well. You all are the best! 

1440 N Haven St Ste.3 Spokane, WA 99202

While the Spokane Chiefs may not have taken home a victory that night, VOA and Numerica Credit Union certainly scored big for our community’s heroes. Together, we celebrated an incredible partnership and unveiled a shared commitment to honoring those who have served.

During the game, Numerica presented VOA with the very first Numerica Heroes Fund Grant! This is a $50,000 investment for Vets on Lacey. The transformational gift will help complete the new courtyard space, creating a welcoming environment where veterans can connect, heal, and rebuild.

We’re deeply grateful for Numerica’s ongoing dedication to our mission. Their investment is far more than financial, it’s a show of belief in brighter futures, stronger communities, and the power of partnership.

Together, we’re proving that teamwork truly does make a difference! 

Staff and residents brought their best game faces - and in case manager Michael’s case, his best pie face! (Congrats to the lucky winner of that magical raffle) The night was packed with classic Halloween games, treats galore, and enough laughter to wake a friendly ghost or two.

The team’s creativity and enthusiasm turned the shelter into a celebration of community and connection. Proof that a little fun goes a long way toward building trust and belonging. Sadly, the photo evidence of Michael’s pie flavored facial didn’t make it to our inboxes, but I'm sure someone out there is holding the proof!

Thanks to everyone who helped make the night a hit, and for always finding ways to mix heart with humor. You make YAS a place where young adults can feel safe, supported, and occasionally… a little mischievous. BOO! 👻

Thank you for sharing with us YAS team!!

Some days just feel electric. You know, the kind of energy that tells you something big is happening. Our recent event with BECU at YAS was one of those days!

Before we even finished setting up, a line had formed. Young adults were eager, curious, and ready to take a tangible step toward financial independence. Thanks to BECU’s generosity and expertise, 22 guests signed up for free bank accounts on the spot. Each participant also received access to a financial wellness class, where the group asked thoughtful questions, stayed fully engaged, and left with real tools for managing their money confidently. And the cherry on top? Each new account holder will receive $200 after maintaining their account for 90 days! Such a meaningful boost during a season when extra support can change everything.

BECU didn’t stop there. They also provided fresh socks, T-shirts, and underwear so everyone walked away with essentials that help restore dignity and comfort.

And because no great event is complete without great food, Boots Bakery delivered a gorgeous, delicious lunch that packed in full flavor and veggies, proving you can nourish bodies and spirits at the same time!

It was an awesome, wildly successful day that left our guests feeling supported and excited about their futures. We’re so grateful for BECU's and Boots' partnership, their commitment to empowering young adults, and their heart for our community!

If YAS had a scoreboard, the “wins” column would be overflowing this month! Huge thanks to the incredible team at Rockwood Clinic, MultiCare!

Their recent food drive was nothing short of phenomenal. Staff rallied together and collected 517 food items along with $270 in cash donations, filling an entire car with healthy, practical staples that will keep our pantry stocked and our young adults nourished through the winter. 

What makes this gesture even more meaningful is the spirit behind it! A team of community-minded professionals taking the time to look beyond the clinic walls and care for neighbors who need it most. Their kindness doesn’t just fill shelves; it fills hearts. 💕

Presented by Innovia Foundation

Experience creativity and community spirit at the Holiday Tree Decorating Contest supporting local nonprofits. On November 22, artists will live-paint holiday trees, which will be displayed beginning November 29 at 818 W. Riverside Ave. Come cheer on the artists and be sure to say hello to VOA while you're there. We will definitely have some holiday cheer to share!

Vote for your favorite tree via QR code; the winning artist’s charity receives a $500 donation. Voting runs November 29 through December 21, 2025.

Our friends at Wendle Ford are once again revving up their generosity for local veterans! Each year, Wendle rallies the community to collect essential items that bring warmth, comfort, and dignity to those who’ve served our country. Their ongoing partnership reminds us that supporting veterans is truly a community effort, and we’re so grateful for their commitment to the mission.

Help us spread the word! Share the flyer with friends, family, and neighbors, and join us in fueling hope for veterans in need this holiday season. Together, we can make sure every hero in our community feels honored and cared for.

Thank you, Wendle Ford for driving change in all the right directions!

The young adults at YAS are bursting with holiday spirit! This season, they want to create handmade holiday wreaths and decorations to deck the halls for the residents in our Permanent Supportive Housing Program.

It’s an inspiring act of giving from these awesome young people. To help bring their vision to life, we’re collecting craft supplies - think wreath forms, ribbon, greenery, ornaments, glue guns, pinecones, felt, candy, and other festive touches.

Let’s rally behind their creativity and generosity! If you or someone you know has some craft supplies they would like to share, click the email link below. We would love to hear from you!