Women's Hearth Calendar of Activities
Mission Statement
The Women’s Hearth is a safe, welcoming community that promotes growth and well being in body, mind, and spirit for women of diverse backgrounds. The Center fosters nurturing relationships, encourages self-determination, and advocates for change in systems that oppress women.
Basic Services
The Women’s Hearth is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., between mid-April and mid-October. The rest of the year, the hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Hearth is also open on Saturdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, mid-October to mid-April. The Hearth offers a number of services that promote growth and healing. All services are free and include the following:
- access to basic needs such as showers, food, and hygiene products
- over 100 groups and classes per month, including 12 step meetings, support groups, life skills classes, arts and crafts, music, spirituality, and journaling
- community meals, meetings, speakers and other events that foster a sense of community
- access to resources and referrals for various social services, especially for housing and mental health concerns
- a technology center where women have free access to computers and the internet, and where they can find assistance in learning computer skills
- three transitional apartments with weekly case management
Some Background
The Women's Hearth was founded in Spokane in 1991 as a safe place for women who were living on the streets. The first location was a tiny store front at First and Jefferson. In 1993 the center moved to a larger location on Howard Street, where it remained for 11 years. As attendance at the center grew, the program offerings expanded as well. Classes and groups were added, and more women arrived to share their stories, drink coffee, rest and begin the healing process. In 1995, the parent organization, Transitions, was founded and Women’s Hearth merged with Miryam's House and the Transitional Living Center.
As the center grew, the need for a larger, permanent home surfaced. In 2004, with help from Senator Patty Murray, a special HUD appropriation was awarded for the purchase and renovation of the current building at 920 West Second Avenue. With assistance from the city of Spokane, the four founding communities of Catholic sisters and other generous friends and benefactors, the center moved into a new home in July of 2004. The new building was re-christened Women's Hearth and the program has been growing ever since. A paid staff of 14 and more than 80 faithful volunteers work there. Each day the doors open to welcome more than 100 homeless and low-income women.
Current Wish List
During the winter, we need the following donations: Hats, gloves, socks, razors, deodorant, hair-brushes, chapstick, cough drops, conditioner and toothpaste (travel size), small backpacks, blankets, grocery store gift cards, bus passes, long-distance phone cards, bath towels, and wash cloths.
To see a printable list of the classes and activities at Women's Hearth, please click here.
Volunteer opportunities are available.
The Women's Hearth
920 West Second Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
509-455-4249
