SPOKANE, Wash. — Discussions about expanding a Catholic Charities program in West Hills have generated significant opposition from residents, with some anger stemming from misinformation on social media.
A Facebook post falsely claimed House of Charity was moving to West Hills. While inaccurate, it sparked conversation about Catholic Charities’ actual plans to expand its existing Catalyst Project by adding 118 rooms.
Catholic Charities emphasizes that “this is a conceptual plan and not final, no funding has been committed to the project.” A spokesperson confirmed plans remain tentative.
The potential expansion has drawn strong opposition from residents concerned about homeless services in their neighborhood.
“It’s totally going to compromise the future of the neighborhood,” said Sandy Nichols, a West Hills resident. “I mean, nobody wants to make any positive investment, you know, with that kind of atmosphere.”
William Hagy, another resident, called it “complete reckless disregard for city planning.”
“There’s been a number of people to reach out to me regarding the potential house of charities relocating outside of downtown to west hills,” Hagy said.
Catholic Charities says it discussed the potential expansion with neighbors and the West Hills Neighborhood Council during the spring. Many neighbors report they were unaware until the recent social media controversy brought it to their attention.
For more information about the project visit cceasternwa.org/hoctransition
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