(Spokane, WA – April 7, 2026) – The Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) has been awarded $126,000 from the Washington State Department of Commerce Early Learning Facilities Program to support predesign of the Orchard Vista Early Learning Childcare Center in the Dishman Hills neighborhood of Spokane Valley. The facility will be co-located with SHA’s Orchard Vista Apartments—240 affordable units currently under construction—and will help meet the region’s need for high-quality, affordable childcare.
The Orchard Vista Apartments will serve households at or below 60% of area median income. Through a public-private partnership with the Spokane-based Inland Group, SHA is developing the housing with working families in mind. It is centrally located in a commercial area, just minutes away from a WinCo Foods, the Valley Transit Center, the Spokane Valley Library, Spokane Valley City Hall, and Balfour Park. The first units are expected to be ready for occupancy by May 2026, with full project completion by year end.
To further support working families with children, SHA set aside a quarter-acre parcel on the same site to construct a childcare center. The planned 4,500-square-foot facility will be located on the site’s northwest corner. SHA has already invested approximately $580,000 of its own general unrestricted funds in land acquisition and site preparation.
The award will enable SHA to work with a design team, including a childcare provider, who will advise on facility design, ensuring the space is shaped by expert guidance and aligned with its operational needs. The final design and operating model will determine the number of new childcare slots the center will support. SHA currently estimates capacity for two classrooms of approximately 18-20 students each, for a total of 36-40 new Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) or Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) slots available to residents of the Orchard Vista Apartments and qualifying families in the surrounding area.
SHA will own the facility and lease it to an operator. SHA aims to minimize debt on the property to support an economically viable agreement between both the operator and SHA. SHA will collaborate with the operator to ensure the facility meets community needs, including the potential provision of extended or non-traditional childcare hours.
“Investing in this new childcare and early learning facility is really an investment in our community’s future,” said Pamela Parr, Executive Director of SHA. “Families will have access to high-quality care that supports children’s development and gives parents the peace of mind they need to thrive at work. For employers, this project strengthens the local workforce by reducing childcare barriers and helping parents stay engaged in their careers. We’re proud to help create a space that benefits families, supports businesses, and builds a strong foundation for our region.”
To follow the development of the Orchard Vista site and for more information about the Spokane Housing Authority, follow the organization on Facebook or visit www.spokanehousing.org.
Media Contact: Pamela Parr, Executive Director, [email protected] or 509-252-7139
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – Spokane Housing Authority’s (SHA) 2027 PHA Annual Plan, Revised 5-Year Plan, FSS Action Plan, and Moving To Work Supplement
/in Events, News and EventsNOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
2027 PHA Annula Plan, Revised 5-Year Plan, FSS Action Plan, and Moving To Work Supplement
Spokane Housing Authority has completed drafts of the 2027:
to be submitted to HUD in October 2026.
A copy of these documents are available starting on 8/14/26 for review at www.spokanehousing.org/PHA or during regular business hours at: 25 W. Nora Ave., Spokane.
Public Comments may be submitted by 9/28/2026 at noon, in writing to: “Plan Comments – SHA”, 25 W. Nora Ave, Spokane, WA 99205; by FAX to (509) 323-2364; by email to: [email protected]; or at the scheduled Public Hearing.
The Spokane Housing Authority invites SHA clients, residents, landlords, and the general public to attend a:
PUBLIC HEARING ON
SHA’s 2027 PHA Annual Plan, Revised 5-Year Plan, FSS Action Plan, and Moving To Work Supplement
September 28, 2026 at 3:30 P.M. at 25 W. Nora Ave., Spokane.
Free Parking and accessibility for the disabled is available; call 509-252-7125 if you or a family member need to request a reasonable accommodation at least 48 hours in advance.
Executive Director Pamela Parr’s Planned Retirement
/in News and Events, Press ReleasesSpokane, WA – April 28, 2026 – The Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) announces the planned retirement of Executive Director Pamela Parr, who will conclude her distinguished tenure on April 1, 2027, after 13 years of dedicated leadership and service to the region.
“Pam’s leadership has redefined what the Spokane Housing Authority can accomplish through collaborative work within our community. Over these 13 years she strengthened and modernized a long‑standing agency into one that is mission‑driven and deeply trusted,” said Kai Nevala, SHA’s Board Chair, continuing, “Through her leadership, our capacity to deliver affordable housing solutions that change lives and build stronger communities expanded significantly — all while maintaining a sharp focus on establishing a secure fiscal foundation for the organization’s work. Her vision and impact will continue to shape both our agency and our community for years to come.”
During her time with SHA, Parr has also contributed her expertise through leadership roles with organizations including the Association of Washington Housing Authorities, Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Spokane County Continuum of Care for the Homeless, and as a member on the boards of the Spokane Low-Income Housing Consortium, Better Health Together, Priority Spokane, Invest Health Spokane, and others. “Working alongside the SHA Team serving our community has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the commitment, creativity and heart they bring to our work every day,” said Parr.
Parr will continue to serve as Executive Director over the next year to support a smooth leadership transition and maintain organizational stability. Following her retirement, she intends to remain active in community-focused work as an advocate and consultant, with particular emphasis on health and housing initiatives.
SHA’s Board of Commissioners has established a Search Committee and will begin recruitment for the next Executive Director in the coming months.
Spokane Housing Authority Awarded $126,000 For Orchard Vista Early Learning Childcare Center
/in News and Events, Press Releases, Stories(Spokane, WA – April 7, 2026) – The Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) has been awarded $126,000 from the Washington State Department of Commerce Early Learning Facilities Program to support predesign of the Orchard Vista Early Learning Childcare Center in the Dishman Hills neighborhood of Spokane Valley. The facility will be co-located with SHA’s Orchard Vista Apartments—240 affordable units currently under construction—and will help meet the region’s need for high-quality, affordable childcare.
The Orchard Vista Apartments will serve households at or below 60% of area median income. Through a public-private partnership with the Spokane-based Inland Group, SHA is developing the housing with working families in mind. It is centrally located in a commercial area, just minutes away from a WinCo Foods, the Valley Transit Center, the Spokane Valley Library, Spokane Valley City Hall, and Balfour Park. The first units are expected to be ready for occupancy by May 2026, with full project completion by year end.
To further support working families with children, SHA set aside a quarter-acre parcel on the same site to construct a childcare center. The planned 4,500-square-foot facility will be located on the site’s northwest corner. SHA has already invested approximately $580,000 of its own general unrestricted funds in land acquisition and site preparation.
The award will enable SHA to work with a design team, including a childcare provider, who will advise on facility design, ensuring the space is shaped by expert guidance and aligned with its operational needs. The final design and operating model will determine the number of new childcare slots the center will support. SHA currently estimates capacity for two classrooms of approximately 18-20 students each, for a total of 36-40 new Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) or Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) slots available to residents of the Orchard Vista Apartments and qualifying families in the surrounding area.
SHA will own the facility and lease it to an operator. SHA aims to minimize debt on the property to support an economically viable agreement between both the operator and SHA. SHA will collaborate with the operator to ensure the facility meets community needs, including the potential provision of extended or non-traditional childcare hours.
“Investing in this new childcare and early learning facility is really an investment in our community’s future,” said Pamela Parr, Executive Director of SHA. “Families will have access to high-quality care that supports children’s development and gives parents the peace of mind they need to thrive at work. For employers, this project strengthens the local workforce by reducing childcare barriers and helping parents stay engaged in their careers. We’re proud to help create a space that benefits families, supports businesses, and builds a strong foundation for our region.”
To follow the development of the Orchard Vista site and for more information about the Spokane Housing Authority, follow the organization on Facebook or visit www.spokanehousing.org.
Media Contact: Pamela Parr, Executive Director, [email protected] or 509-252-7139
Spokane Housing Authority Awarded $7.48 Million For Chalice Place Affordable Housing
/in News and Events, Press Releases, Stories(Spokane, WA – January 26, 2026) – The Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) has received two awards totaling $7.48 million from the Washington State Department of Commerce to develop Chalice Place, an 85-unit affordable housing project located at the intersection of North Wall and Country Homes Boulevard, adjacent to the Country Homes Christian Church. The development will serve seniors and individuals with disabilities, offering housing affordable to households earning less than 50% of the area median income.
$6.5 million, awarded from the Housing Trust Fund, will subsidize construction costs. $980,550, awarded through the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP), will be used to expand water supply, enabling high-density residential development on the urban infill site. SHA thanks Spokane County for partnering on the joint application for this CHIP funding.
In addition, SHA recently learned that the Washington State Housing Finance Commission ranked the project second in the Metro Pool for federal 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for 2026. SHA expects these tax credits to drive significant private investment and establish a strong public-private partnership.
SHA secured an option to purchase the land in early 2025 from the Country Homes Christian Church. The development was named Chalice Place to reflect the prominence of the chalice in the Church’s theology.
This initiative aligns with SHA’s mission to create and sustain high quality affordable housing options that encourage individual prosperity and support healthy communities.
Construction on the project is intended to commence in fall 2026, with completion anticipated by spring 2028. The waiting list is not yet available. SHA is committed to a development process that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to our community’s needs.
To follow the development of Chalice Place and for more information about Spokane Housing Authority, follow the organization on Facebook or visit www.spokanehousing.org.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – Spokane Housing Authority’s (SHA) 2026 PHA 5-Year Plan, FSS Action Plan, and Moving To Work Supplement
/in Events, News and EventsNOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Spokane Housing Authority has completed a draft of the 2026 PHA 5-Year Plan, FSS Action Plan, and Moving To Work Supplement to be submitted to HUD in October 2025.
A copy of these documents are available starting on 8/8/25 for review at www.spokanehousing.org/PHA or during regular business hours at: 25 W. Nora Ave., Spokane.
DOCUMENTS FOR REVIEW
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK
Public Comments may be submitted by 9/22/2025 at noon, in writing to: “Plan Comments – SHA”, 25 W. Nora Ave, Spokane, WA 99205; by FAX to (509) 323-2364; by email to: [email protected]; or at the scheduled Public Hearing.
The Spokane Housing Authority invites SHA clients, residents, landlords, and the general public to attend a:
PUBLIC HEARING ON
SHA’s 2026 PHA 5-Year Plan, FSS Action Plan,
and Moving To Work Supplement
September 22, 2025 at 3:30 P.M. at 25 W. Nora Ave., Spokane.
Free Parking and accessibility for the disabled is available; call 509-252-7125 if you or a family member need to request a reasonable accommodation at least 48 hours in advance.
Board of Commissioners Position: Volunteer Wanted
/in News and EventsThe Spokane Housing Authority is currently accepting applications for the Resident Board Member vacancy on the Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) Board of Commissioners. SHA’s Board of Commissioners consists of two City of Spokane positions, two City of Spokane Valley positions, and two Spokane County positions. A seventh Commissioner, a Resident Commissioner, is appointed by these six positions and must be a person who receives SHA services.
SHA’s mission is to create and sustain high quality affordable housing options that encourage individual prosperity and support healthy communities. Programs operated by SHA included a large rental assistance program covering six Eastern Washington counties and several affordable apartment communities in Spokane County.
Commissioner responsibilities require a commitment of approximately 3-5 hours a month. Commissioners are appointed for five year terms and serve without compensation. Regular board meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 3:30 p.m. and typically last one hour. The tentative date of this appointment is October 27, 2025, during a regular Spokane Housing Authority Board meeting.
Those interested in being considered must send a letter of interest and a completed application to SHA’s Administrative Services Manager. Electronic submissions are preferred, but application packets can also be mailed to Amanda Rollins, Administrative Services Manager, Spokane Housing Authority, 25 W Nora Ave, Spokane, WA 99205. For more information see the Commissioner position description or call Pam Parr, Executive Director of SHA, at 509-252-7139.
Spokane Housing Authority Signs Option with Country Homes Christian Church to Purchase Vacant Land
/in News and Events, Press Releases(Spokane, WA – February 24, 2025) – The Spokane Housing Authority (SHA), a leading organization dedicated to facilitating access to affordable housing across seven Eastern Washington counties, is pleased to announce their recent signing to purchase vacant land from Country Homes Christian Church. Located at the intersection of North Wall and Country Homes Boulevard adjacent to the church, this strategic purchase is a noteworthy step forward in addressing our region’s affordable housing needs.
The site has been named Chalice Place to reflect the prominence of the chalice in the Country Homes Christian Church’s theology. SHA plans on developing a vibrant community with about 100 units for seniors with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This
initiative aligns with SHA’s mission to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing solutions for all members of our communities.
“Our partnership with Country Homes Christian Church in developing the Chalice Place site is a prime example of how faith-based organizations can play a vital role in creating affordable housing solutions while continuing to support their congregation,” said Pam Parr, Executive Director of SHA. “We at Spokane Housing are excited to continue this collaboration.”
Chalice Place will prioritize serving seniors by offering high-quality housing options tailored to their needs. Units will be income-restricted to ensure affordability, with rent prices set at levels to enable households to thrive economically. For instance, a single-person household earning
$35,100 annually would pay approximately $878 per month for a one-bedroom unit.
Construction on the project is intended to commence in fall 2026, with completion anticipated by spring 2028. The waiting list is not available at this time. SHA is dedicated to ensuring that the development process is conducted with transparency, accountability, and community input
every step of the way.
Lori McGowan Named NAHRO’s 2024 Emerging Leader
/in Uncategorized“Lori’s an experienced houser and dedicated leader,” said Mark Thiele, NAHRO CEO. “Her work at the national, regional and state levels of NAHRO is already exceptional, and I can’t wait to see the new heights to which she’ll rise. I’m so proud to present this award to her.”
Ms. McGowan’s affordable housing career spans over 23 years of providing management and financial expertise. In 2001, she worked with Housing Kitsap as a finance professional, then moved to Spokane in 2006 to take a staff accountant position with the Spokane Housing Authority, where she quickly moved up the ladder to her current position as Deputy Executive Director.
She is actively involved in NAHRO as a member of the board of governors and serves on several standing and advisory committees. She is also the incoming president of the Pacific Northwest Regional Chapter of NAHRO for 2025-2027 and served as a past president for the Washington Housing Authority Accounting Professionals, is an alumnus of the Leadership Spokane class of 2021, and serves on local boards in her community.
Ms. McGowan is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan University with a BA in Business Administration.
About The Emerging Leaders Award
The Emerging Leaders Award recognizes an individual who has been involved in NAHRO at the national, regional and/or chapter levels for at least five years and has distinguished him or herself as an emerging leader.
About NAHRO
NAHRO, established in 1933, is a membership organization of nearly 20,000 housing and community development agencies and professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low- and moderate-income. NAHRO’s membership administers more than 3 million housing units for 7.6 million people.
Board of Commissioners Position: Volunteer Wanted
/in News and EventsBoard of Commissioners – Resident Commissioner Position Opening
There is one position available on the SHA Board of Commissioners. This volunteer position is appointed by the other 6 Commissioners on the SHA Board. Applicants must be a client of Spokane Housing Authority directly assisted through the tenant-based Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, a client of any other Spokane Housing Authority rental assistance program, or a tenant of a Spokane Housing Authority managed property.
If you or someone you know is interested in serving on this Board of Commissioners, please submit your application to Amanda Rollins, Administrative Services Manager at [email protected] or at 25 W Nora Ave, Spokane, WA. The tentative date of this appointment is November 25, 2024, during a regular Spokane Housing Authority Board meeting. Terms are for five years.
Monthly meetings are generally held at 3:30 p.m. the 4th Monday of the month at 25 W Nora Avenue, Spokane, unless otherwise announced. See the Commissioner position description for additional information or contact Amanda Rollins at [email protected] or 509-252-7125.
Spokane Housing Authority Acquires Land for Affordable Housing Development in Spokane Valley
/in News and Events, Press Releases, StoriesWith a firm commitment to expand affordable housing options, SHA intends to collaborate with a for-profit partner to develop the site into a vibrant residential community catering to households with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This initiative aligns with SHA’s mission to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing solutions for our community.
Units will be income-restricted to ensure affordability, with rent prices set at levels to enable households to thrive economically. In addition to providing much-needed housing, SHA is exploring the feasibility of incorporating a childcare or early learning facility within the development.
“Our acquisition of the Appleway site underscores our dedication to creating inclusive and sustainable communities where individuals, seniors and families of diverse backgrounds can thrive,” said Pam Parr, Executive Director of SHA. “By leveraging partnerships and innovative approaches, we aim to address the diverse needs of our community and enhance accessibility to essential services.”
Construction on the project is scheduled to commence in fall 2025, with completion anticipated in spring 2027. SHA is dedicated to ensuring that the development process is conducted with transparency, accountability, and community input every step of the way.
To follow the development of the Appleway Site and for more information about Spokane Housing Authority, follow them on Facebook or visit their website at www.spokanehousing.org.