Social Concerns Ministries

Social Concerns Ministries objectives include:

• To create or heighten awareness of human need, both locally and of special needs world wide.
• Direct assistance to residents of our area who are suffering emergency or crisis.
• Distribution of funds donated by the parish.
• Support services for youth at risk.
• Support services for the elderly and disadvantaged.
• Support for the New Hope Resource Center.

New Hope Resource Center was founded 6-years ago as a Christian-based social service organization supported primarily by local churches and generous community contributions. Its purpose is to serve basic human service needs in North Spokane County. St. Joseph Parish was a leader in the formation of New Hope and continues to provide strong financial, spiritual and volunteer support. Hundreds of our neighbors have found emergency help and services from New Hope programs, including food assistance at the North County Food Pantry in Elk. From its building at 4211 E. Colbert Rd., New Hope provides a clothing bank, a daily necessities bank, financial assistance and help with chores services and transportation needs. New Hope is a federally registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible. Volunteers are needed to help provide aid and service to families and individuals in our area, especially during these difficult economic conditions. Our mission is to do this without prejudice or discrimination, following Christ's example.
Office hours are Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30 to 1:30 am &: Thursday 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Please call 467-2900 for more information, or visit www.newhoperesource.org.

Interfaith Hospitality of Spokane (IHS) was created in 1997 in response to the growing need to provide shelter, meals, assistance, and compassion to families without homes in the Greater Spokane Area. The IHS program unites the religious community in its efforts to assist the homeless. The program mobilizes community resources: churches and synagogues for overnight lodging, congregations for volunteers, social service agencies for family assessment and referrals, and a Day Center provided by IHS through grants and community contributions. Participating congregations furnish clean, safe, and private sleeping quarters as well as a hospitality room where the guests can relax, socialize, do homework or watch television. Congregations become temporary "homes" in which families are treated as guests of the congregation and individuals are accepted as they are. In this environment, guests can maintain their dignity and self-esteem. The kindness of hosts can help alleviate the hurt and alienation of homelessness, and both volunteers and guests can grow and learn from each other.

Ministry of Care is a Eucharistic and visiting ministry serving the needs of the elderly and shut-ins. Grief support is also available. This outreach ministry includes weekly Catholic services at Avalon Nursing Home and Northpointe Assisted Living. If you are a sincere person, able to be present in the moment to extend God's loving grace and care to those who need it, please consider becoming a part of this ministry!