Open Doors needs full funding

I have worked for Open Doors Emergency family shelter for two years now. Over these past two years I have seen the Open Doors program change the lives of hundreds of parents and children. This is more than an emergency shelter, it is a place for tired parents to sleep soundly at night, knowing their children are safe and secure within our walls. It is a place where kids can shower, get something to eat, do their homework, and play. It is a place where parents can become connected with local resources to begin tackling their barriers to permanent housing.

Currently the recommendation is to fund Open Doors at 35% of what is needed to run the program. If this recommendation goes through then we will only be able to serve a maximum of 30 individuals a night, instead of the 80 we are able to currently help. Families will have to sleep in their cars and on the streets. This means back to living in unsafe environments for babies, preschoolers, and teens. City Council please don’t allow this to happen. Open Doors program is doing so much good, for so many families in Spokane. Please fully fund this program.

Amy Robinson

Spokane