Spokane Opens New LGBTQIA+ Shelter at North Hill Christian Church

The Aurora Center will provide emergency beds and wraparound services for unhoused community members.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The City of Spokane has partnered with North Hill Christian Church and Jewels Helping Hands to open a new scattered site shelter called the Aurora Center, which will provide 15 emergency overnight beds and a variety of services for unhoused LGBTQIA+ individuals in the community.

Why it matters

LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing homelessness often face unique challenges and barriers to accessing support. This new shelter aims to create a safe, affirming space where this vulnerable population can find community, resources, and pathways to stable housing.

The details

The Aurora Center, located at 4620 N Post St, will offer both daytime and nighttime services. In addition to the 15 emergency overnight beds, the shelter will partner with Providence, the Center for Growth and Empowerment, and Community, Advocacy and Treatment Spokane to provide medical care, substance use disorder treatment, and housing placement assistance.

  • The Aurora Center is opening on March 8, 2026.
  • An open house at North Hill Christian Church will be held on March 5, 2026 from 4 to 5 p.m. to provide an overview of the shelter and allow community members to ask questions.

The players

North Hill Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

A local church that is making its space available for the new Aurora Center shelter.

Jewels Helping Hands

A community organization partnering with the City of Spokane and North Hill Christian Church to operate the Aurora Center.

Reverend Chris Snow

The pastor at North Hill Christian Church who expressed the church's excitement about providing space for the new shelter.

Mayor Lisa Brown

The mayor of Spokane who discussed the importance of creating a safe, affirming space for unhoused LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Providence

A healthcare organization partnering with the Aurora Center to provide medical services.

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What they’re saying

“We at North Hill Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are excited about making our space available to our community members in need and look forward to the success of the Aurora Shelter. We are committed to follow God's calling to be a whole community where all people are welcome, all are accepted, and each of us has an opportunity to find and joyfully share our gifts, talents and passions.”

— Reverend Chris Snow, Pastor (dailyfly.com)

“We are seeing transformational work happening at our various scattered site shelters and we are looking forward to that continuing at the Aurora Center.”

— Mayor Lisa Brown (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The open house at North Hill Christian Church on March 5, 2026 will provide more details about the shelter's operations and allow community members to ask questions.

The takeaway

This new shelter demonstrates Spokane's commitment to supporting its LGBTQIA+ unhoused population by creating a safe, affirming space with access to critical services and resources. It's a model for how cities can partner with faith-based and community organizations to address the unique needs of marginalized groups experiencing homelessness.