(Spokane, WA – October 5, 2026) – The Washington State Department of Commerce has granted Spokane County $500,000 in Wildfire Housing Assistance Funds, and the County has selected the Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) to administer these funds. Effective immediately, SHA will begin providing rapid financial assistance to eligible households to enhance housing stability. 

Households may be eligible for financial assistance if:  

• They were temporarily or permanently displaced from their residence due to the Spokane Complex Fires or other Spokane County wildfires since June 14, 2026 (homeowners, renters, and households living with others are eligible); and  

• Their household income is at or below 140% of the area median income. This amounts to $154,700 annually for a family of four. 

SHA will prioritize funding for households that are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. 

Eligible households may receive assistance with housing-related expenses incurred between August 1, 2026, and January 30, 2027. Funds may be used for: 

• Rental assistance or temporary housing assistance 

• Other housing-related expenses (e.g., utilities, deposits, fees, insurance) 

• Flexible financial assistance to enhance housing stability (e.g., transportation passes, veterinary services for pets, car repairs to maintain employment, obtaining identification, work related equipment, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies) 

• Asbestos testing on a resident’s home site when needed to obtain permits for the placement of temporary emergency housing on residential lots 

Funds cannot be used for capital construction or rehabilitation of housing or facilities, or for direct payments to households. 

How to Apply 

Community members can learn more and apply for assistance online at www.spokanehousing.org/whaf. They can also visit SHA’s administrative office during walk-in hours on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM for information or help completing an application. SHA’s office is located at 25 W Nora Avenue, Spokane, WA 99205. 

The City of Spokane operates a separate Wildfire Housing Assistance Fund, administered by Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest, which provides similar support for City residents. Applicants may be eligible for one or both programs depending on their residence and circumstances; SHA and Goodwill will coordinate to prevent duplication of assistance. 

“Wildfire recovery is not just about rebuilding structures—it’s about restoring stability for families whose lives have been disrupted,” said Pamela Parr, Executive Director of SHA. “We are grateful to Spokane County and the Washington State Department of Commerce for making these funds available, and we are committed to getting assistance to households as quickly as possible. Our goal is to ensure that every impacted resident has the support they need to remain housed, regain security, and move forward.”