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Spokane neighborhood sues over planned homeless housing projects

The group, Spokane for Safe Neighborhoods, claims in the lawsuit that the City of Spokane and other groups violated the law while placing three homeless facilities.

SPOKANE, Wash. — A group of Spokane neighbors in the West Hills area are suing the City of Spokane, Catholic Charities, Empire Health Foundation, and others over plans to open three homeless facilities in the neighborhood.

The group, Spokane for Safe Neighborhoods, claims in the lawsuit that there has been no public process, no public hearing, no land use approvals issued and no environmental review of impacts and alternatives. 

“…When you establish a homeless shelter, there are governmental processes and standards that have to be followed,” William Hagy, President of the neighborhood group said in a provided written statement. “The City of Spokane cannot just say, ‘We give up. Put them anywhere, just get them out of downtown.’ And that basically is what our city government is doing.”

Among the reasons for the lawsuit, Hagy claims the City of Spokane violated the land use code when it told the “Department of Commerce that the Quality Inn site is approved by the City for a homeless shelter.” Hagy also claims the proposal “is likely to have significant adverse environmental impact,” and wants the city to complete an environmental review.

“Anyone who is familiar with the Catholic Charities shelter or homeless housing in downtown Spokane knows that a homeless shelter or housing opportunity can bring violent crime, theft, and other criminal activity to the surrounding area,” Hagy said in a provided written statement. “You can’t take a small neighborhood and make it absorb a huge homeless population. And even if you disagree about that, you can’t break the law…”

The complaint also states that the proposed housing locations are too far from necessities like grocery stories and community services, and that the West Hills is being allocated a “disproportionate burden.”

Washington State Department of Commerce recently responded to concerns raised by West Hill residents saying they had a "legitimate point" that their neighborhood should not have a disproportionate share of the facilities serving people who are formerly homeless.

"Commerce would be responsive to additional housing solutions in other parts of the county proposed by local governments in Spokane County," Commerce Media Relations Manager Penny Thomas said in a release.

Brian Coddington, the spokesperson for the city of Spokane, issued the following statement on the lawsuit:

"The City received notice of the lawsuit at the close of business yesterday and is reviewing its contents."

Catholic Charities said they are aware of the lawsuit and issued the following statement regarding the proceedings:

A lawsuit aimed at stopping development of The Catalyst emergency supportive housing project was recently filed against Catholic Charities Eastern Washington. The lawsuit was filed by a newly formed corporation, Spokane for Safe Neighborhoods, that includes members William Hagy, West Hills Neighborhood Council chair, Gib Brumback, a West Hills developer, Lisa Saddler, director of Ascenda, and Michael Gifford, Finch Arboretum neighborhood representative. 

This lawsuit is frivolous and completely without merit. We see it not only as a suit against Catholic Charities, but a suit against the poor, the vulnerable and the homeless of our community. More than 20% of people in our region live at or below the poverty line. It is our sacred obligation to stand with them and stand up for them. We will do exactly that in addressing this lawsuit, no matter how much time or money it may take. 

Our initial reaction to the filing was consistent with how we approach all things we do – to respond in prayer. At our September 8 all-staff Mass today at the Holy Names Convent Chapel, Bishop William Skylstad reminded us of the powerful work Catholic Charities does to serve the poor and to be a voice for the voiceless. 

We pray for the homeless and for all people in need. We also pray for those who have filed this lawsuit that they may have a conversion of heart. 

The overwhelming majority of people in our Spokane community – including so many in the West Hills neighborhood - are generous, compassionate, kind, and loving. We believe that this community at large knows exactly what we at Catholic Charities know to be true: Love always wins.

Empire Health also responded to the lawsuit with the following statement:

We are aware of the lawsuit. Our legal counsel is reviewing it. I don't have any comment until we have had a chance to review.

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