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Spokane, WA – Local Resource Guide

Federal Nutrition: How to apply for SNAP and CSFP in state

How to Apply for SNAP in Washington State: SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is administered by the Washington State DSHS. Seniors 60+ may have simplified eligibility and can apply three ways:

  • Online: Apply at washingtonconnection.org — available 24/7
  • By Phone: Call 877-501-2233 (Washington Connection hotline), Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
  • In Person:
    • DSHS Community Services Office — 1313 N Maple St
      • 📞 (877) 501-2233 | dshs.wa.gov | Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
      • Spokane's primary DSHS office for SNAP applications, EBT cards, and benefit renewals. Reviewers note it can be busy — arriving early helps.
    • SNAP Northeast Office — 4001 N Cook St
      • 📞 (509) 456-7627 | Mon–Wed & Fri 7:30am–4:30pm, Thu 10:30am–4:30pm
      • Located inside the Northeast Community Center alongside many other social services — a convenient one-stop location.

CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program): Washington participates in CSFP, providing monthly food boxes to low-income seniors 60+. Contact Second Harvest Inland Northwest at (509) 534-6678 or visit 2-harvest.org to find your nearest CSFP distribution site, as it operates through local food banks.

💡 For seniors, SNAP benefits may start within 7 days if expedited processing applies. Call Washington Connection at 877-501-2233 or dial 211 for help applying.

 

State and Local Nutrition: Local meals on wheels, food pantries, community meals, etc.

Meals on Wheels Spokane (Mid-City) — 1222 W 2nd Ave 📞 (509) 456-6597 | mowspokane.org | Mon–Fri 8am–3pm

  • Spokane's flagship home-delivered meals program for seniors and homebound individuals.
  • Also offers community dining for seniors at the Mid-City Senior Center ($25/year membership, $2/meal).

Meals On Wheels Greater Spokane County — 12101 E Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley 📞 (509) 924-6976 | mowgsc.org | Mon–Fri 8am–3pm

Second Harvest Inland Northwest — 1234 E Front Ave 📞 (509) 534-6678 | 2-harvest.org | Mon–Thu 8am–4:30pm, Fri 8am–noon

  • The region's largest food bank, distributing to over 300 partner agencies and operating mobile food pantries throughout Spokane.
  • Also administers the CSFP food box program for seniors.

Hope Market Food Pantry

  • 204 E. Indiana Ave.
  • Monday-Friday 10a-4p

Better Living Center (Food Pantry) — 25 E North Foothills Dr 📞 (509) 325-1258 | renewspokane.org | Tue 9–11:30am & 1–3:30pm, Thu 9am–12:30pm

💡 Additional Tips:

  • 2-1-1 Spokane: Dial 211 for a full list of food pantries, community dinners, and emergency food by zip code.
  • Catholic Charities Eastern Washington (12 E 5th Ave, (509) 358-4250) also distributes food and hygiene items, Mon–Thu 9am–4pm.

Elder Care: Caregiver assistance, local area on aging, etc.

Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) — 1313 N Atlantic St #3000 📞 (509) 458-2509 | altcew.org | Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm

  • Spokane's Area Agency on Aging — call regarding elder services.
  • Provides care management, caregiver support, referrals to in-home services, adult day programs, legal assistance, and connections to all Older Americans Act-funded programs.

Community Living Connections — 1313 N Atlantic St #3000 📞 (509) 960-7281 | Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm

  • Co-located with ALTCEW, this program specifically helps seniors and people with disabilities remain living independently in the community.

DSHS Home & Community Services / ALTSA — 1330 N Washington St #3000 📞 (509) 568-3700 | dshs.wa.gov/altsa | Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

  • Washington State's Aging and Long-Term Support Administration office in Spokane.
  • Handles Medicaid-funded in-home care (COPES program), adult family homes, and long-term care assessments.

 Love In Home Senior Care — 1520 W Garland Ave, Ste D 📞 (509) 474-0663 | Open 24/7  

  • A top-rated (4.9 stars) local in-home care agency.
  • Assists with both short-term and long-term in-home care needs.
  • Provides in-home care and assisted living placement assistance.

Catholic Charities Eastern Washington — 12 E 5th Ave 📞 (509) 358-4250 | cceasternwa.org | Mon–Thu 9am–4pm

  • Offers senior care coordination, in-home caregiving, and affordable senior housing (Holy Family Haven).

💡 Key Statewide Resources:

  • Washington State SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors): Free Medicare counseling — call (800) 562-6900
  • Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (800) 562-6078 — advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities
  • Eldercare Locator: (800) 677-1116 | Mon–Fri to find any senior service nationally

Transportation: Senior transportation

Spokane Transit Authority (STA) — 1230 W Boone Ave 📞 (509) 325-6000 | spokanetransit.com | Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

  • Spokane's fixed-route bus system.
  • Seniors 65+ and people with disabilities qualify for a reduced fare ORCA card (approximately $1/ride).
  • Routes cover most of the city and Spokane Valley.
  • Call or visit spokanetransit.com to apply for a reduced-fare card.

Special Mobility Services (SMS/STA Paratransit) — 707 N Napa St 📞 (509) 534-9760 | sms1.org | Mon–Fri 8am–4pm

  • ADA-certified paratransit service for seniors and people with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route buses.
  • Shared-ride van service with $2 fares.
  • Apply for eligibility through STA.
  • Note: reviewers flag scheduling delays — plan ahead and confirm rides.

MedTran — 9606 Gabriel St 📞 (800) 550-3782 | gomedtran.com | Mon–Fri 8am–6pm

  • Highly rated (4.6 stars, 96 reviews) wheelchair-accessible medical transportation.
  • Online booking available.

A+ Mobility Transportation — Spokane Valley 📞 (509) 218-3822 | Mon–Fri 5am–midnight, Sat 5am–8pm

  • 5-star rated local wheelchair van service.

💡 Additional Tips:

  • Medicaid NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transport): If a senior is on Washington Medicaid, free rides to medical appointments may be available. Call 1-866-454-5799.
  • Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington ((509) 458-2509) can also connect seniors to volunteer driver programs.

  • Veterans Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (Veterans- press 1)
  • Adult Maltreatment Hotline: 800-482-8049
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
    • Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Housing: Rental assistance, home cleaning and repair assistance, utility assistance, etc.

Spokane Housing Authority — 25 W Nora Ave 📞 (509) 328-2953 | spokanehousing.org | Mon, Tue, Thu 9:30am–4pm

  • Administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing units for low-income seniors and families.
  • Apply for the waiting list online or in person.

SNAP (Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners) — Multiple Locations 📞 (509) 456-7627 | snapwa.org

  • SNAP is Spokane's largest community action agency and provides several housing-related services for seniors and low-income residents: emergency rental assistance, utility bill assistance (including LIHEAP energy help), weatherization/home insulation, and minor home repair programs.
  • Locations include the Armory (212 W 2nd Ave), SNAP West (3102 W Whistalks Way), SNAP NE (4001 N Cook St), and SNAP Valley (10814 E Broadway).
  • Note: funding availability varies — call ahead.

Catholic Charities Eastern Washington — 12 E 5th Ave 📞 (509) 358-4250 | cceasternwa.org | Mon–Thu 9am–4pm

  • Operates affordable senior housing including Holy Family Haven (utilities-included apartments for low-income seniors).
  • Also provides emergency rental assistance and case management.

Northwest Fair Housing Alliance — 35 W Main Ave 📞 (509) 325-2665 | Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

  • Free legal and advocacy services for seniors facing housing discrimination, wrongful eviction, or landlord issues related to disabilities.

Avista Utilities — 1411 E Mission Ave 📞 (800) 227-9187 | avistautilities.com | Mon–Fri 7am–6pm

  • Spokane's primary gas and electric provider.
  • Avista offers a Project Share program (emergency utility bill assistance), budget billing to even out seasonal spikes, and low-income rate programs.
  • Call to ask about assistance options before a shutoff occurs.

💡 Additional Resources:

  • Washington LIHEAP (Home Energy Assistance): Apply through SNAP at (509) 456-7627 — federally funded help with heating/cooling bills
  • USDA Rural Development (home repair loans & grants for rural seniors 62+): Call (509) 323-9600 ext. 4 for Spokane-area applicants
  • Neighborworks Spokane: (509) 838-4764 | neighborworksspokane.org — affordable homeownership, repair programs, and housing counseling
  • 2-1-1: Dial 211 for up-to-date emergency rental and utility assistance by zip code

Enrichment: Senior centers, community activities, etc.

Sinto Senior Activity Center — 1124 W Sinto Ave 📞 (509) 327-2861 | sintocenter.org | Mon–Thu 8:30am–4pm, Fri 8:30am–1pm

  • Activities include Bingo, square dancing, group trips, garage sales, and community events.

Corbin Senior Activity Center — 827 W Cleveland Ave 📞 (509) 327-1584 | corbinseniorcenter.org | Mon–Fri 8am–4pm

  • Arts and crafts classes, painting, caregiver support meetings, potlucks, and special events.

Hillyard Senior Center — 4001 N Cook St 📞 (509) 482-0803 | hillyardseniorcenter.org | Mon 9:30am–3:30pm, Tue–Fri 8:30am–3:30pm

  • Uniquely comprehensive set of on-site resources: SNAP enrollment, a medical clinic, dental, pharmacy, and WIC — all under one roof alongside senior programming and activities.

Southside Community Center — 3151 E 27th Ave 📞 (509) 535-0803 | spokanesouthside.org | Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm

  • Active senior programming on the south side including Bingo, exercise classes, yoga, bridge, bus trips, luncheons, and more.
  • Has a 300-person ballroom for special events.

Northeast Community Center — 4001 N Cook St 📞 (509) 487-1603 | Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

  • A large, recently renovated community hub with extensive programming, social services, and community resources.

Spokane Valley Senior Center

💡 Additional Enrichment Resources:

  • SilverSneakers: Many Medicare Advantage plans include free gym access — check eligibility at silversneakers.com or call (888) 423-4632
  • AARP Washington: aarp.org/wa or call (866) 227-7457 for events, tax prep (AARP Tax-Aide), fraud prevention workshops, and volunteer opportunities
  • Spokane Public Library (906 W Main Ave, (509) 444-5300): Free programs, computer classes, digital resources, and lifelong learning events — welcoming to all ages
  • Washington State Parks Senior Passes: Residents 62+ can get a Discover Pass at a reduced rate for access to state parks and outdoor recreation
  • 211 Spokane: Dial 211 anytime for a live referral to any enrichment, volunteer, or social connection program in the area