this just in.

In Catholic Charities’ work to promote life and dignity in Eastern Washington, we focus on a few specific areas. We search for and implement solutions for homelessness. We make sure every person who needs housing can access it. We help families living in poverty give their children a bright future. We advocate for the voiceless to make sure everyone in our community experiences the fullness of life.

This week, we wanted to share some of the recent news coverage these issues have attracted in our region and beyond.

Just this week, KXLY ran a story about the success of Catholic Charities’ Respite Program, a partnership with Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. Through this partnership, we have helped save our hospitals millions of dollars and relieve pressure on our first responders.

Last month, The Spokesman-Review printed a story about our policy of welcoming pets in most of our buildings and shelters, including the House of Charity. This policy comes from our belief that living with dignity means sleeping inside, eating a healthy meal and having companionship. Catholic Charities’ work extends beyond the downtown Spokane core.

The Spokane Valley Current recently showcased our Senior Services program, which helps seniors and people living with disability age in place in their homes. (See page 20.)Our work even promotes life and dignity across the country!

Catholic Charities USA just announced that Catholic Charities Eastern Washington will be one of five cities to participate in a pilot Healthy Housing Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to reduce homelessness by 20 percent in five years by building apartments where formerly homeless people can receive stabilizing services ss described by this article in Catholic news website Crux, our success in building apartments here in Eastern Washington was the impetus for the national initiative!

Why does Catholic Charities offer such a broad range of programs and services? It’s what our Catholic Faith calls us to do. Read our new column in Spokane Faith and Values (Spokane FāVS) to learn about the beliefs behind our programming.