We Have a Valentine, it's YOU! 

February arrives wrapped in glitter, heart-shaped everything, and an unusual amount of pressure on flowers. Here at VOA, this month carries a different kind of meaning.

It’s when we pause . . . very intentionally . . . to celebrate the people who quietly, consistently, and generously make this work possible. The individuals who believe in second chances, stable housing, late-night shelter intakes, fresh starts, and small victories that rarely make headlines.

In other words, YOU, our Valentines! The real-life, roll-up-your-sleeves, change-the-trajectory-of-someone’s-life kind.

Because every day across our programs, moments of stability are unfolding that simply would not exist without you. A young person sleeping safely instead of wondering where to go. A veteran stepping into housing after months or years of uncertainty. A woman catching her breath after crisis.

These outcomes don’t happen by accident. They happen because someone, you, decided to care.

And while Valentine’s Day usually revolves around grand gestures, we know the most powerful acts of generosity are often the quiet ones. The steady, compassionate, deeply human decisions that ripple outward into lives you may never personally meet, but profoundly impact, nonetheless.

So, this February, consider this a simple love note from all of us at VOA.

No glitter. No awkward poetry (okay, maybe a little). Just sincere appreciation.

Thank you for standing with us, believing in this mission, and reminding our community that kindness is still one of the most powerful forces for change.

We’re incredibly grateful for you! Not just this month, but every single day! 

Love,

Your most adoring fans, the VOA Team 💝

When Kathy arrived, she was battling cancer and struggling to care for herself. Simple daily tasks felt impossible. She told her case manager she wanted a home with support and compassion. Together, they visited adult family homes until they found one that felt right - quiet, warm, and welcoming.

While her intake was being processed, Hope House Respite was her refuge. It was a place where she could rest, receive meals, make appointments, and feel cared for. Today, Kathy has moved into her new home, with daily care and a private room of her own. Her journey reminds us that healing is more than medical, it’s deeply human.

"It is always a pleasure for me to help VOA. Your mission is important to me!" - Elaine

A huge volunteer shoutout goes to Elaine, who somehow always knows when we need an extra set of hands. Whether it’s stuffing envelopes or assembling thank-you treats for our annual Thank-A-Thon coming up next week, she jumps in with enthusiasm and a smile every time. 

Volunteers like Elaine remind us that gratitude is something you can feel. We are so thankful for her time, her heart, and her willingness to help behind the scenes in ways that make a big difference.

Two big checks in the same week! 

Who doesn't love a big check? We’re thrilled to share that Russel & Hill Attorneys at Law has donated $7,500 to support our Young Adult Shelter (YAS). This generous gift helps ensure young adults have a safe place to land, access to support, and the opportunity to keep moving forward during a critical chapter of their lives.

We’re especially excited to be cultivating this brand-new partnership with a team that clearly shows up for our community. Thank you, Russell & Hill, for the trust, the heart, and the very photogenic check. We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!

We also loved welcoming the Molina team for a tour of Crosswalk and Cannon Hall. Their generous gift is helping sponsor furniture for Crosswalk’s outdoor space, creating a welcoming place for youth to gather, breathe, and feel at home. We are so grateful for this partnership and for Molina’s continued commitment to showing up for young people in tangible, thoughtful ways. When community and care come together like this, real impact follows. 

Celebrating our 80th anniversary this year, your generosity never ceases to inspire us! Year after year, you show up with compassion, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to families who simply need a little extra steadiness during the holidays.

Because of you, this long-standing tradition of care continues to shine brightly across our community. This year, we witnessed another season of extraordinary giving, and with it, another year of record numbers of neighbors served. Behind every number is a parent who felt relief instead of worry, a child who experienced joy instead of scarcity, and a family who felt remembered rather than overlooked.

Your support does far more than provide holiday assistance. It restores dignity, creates moments of peace, and reminds people that their community sees them, values them, and stands beside them.

Thank you for being the reason hope feels so present during the holidays. The impact of your generosity ripples far beyond the season, and we are deeply grateful to celebrate this milestone year with you.

Get ready to toss some love our way because Mardi Bras is back and it’s bringing the sparkle, sass, and serious impact we all love! This joyful drive supports women in our community with brand new bras and essentials, and every donation helps restore comfort, confidence, and dignity. Think beads with a purpose and kindness with great timing.

You can drop donations at any BECU location, all YMCA locations, Boots Bakery, Hogwash Whiskey Den, Jupiter's Eye Book Cafe, and VOA HQ on Haven St. For those who prefer a drive by good deed, we’ve got you covered. Friday, February 20 from 4 to 6 pm, swing by Women’s Hearth, 920 W 2nd Ave, where one of our amazing volunteers will be there to greet you and collect donations without you ever leaving your car.

Easy, festive, and deeply meaningful. Let the good times and the giving roll!

✨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