Nation's First Library-Private Partnership Creating New Refugee Housing

 

On 22 May 2025 we broke ground on an innovative model through the nation's first library-private partnership focused on developing new affordable housing opportunities for refugees. The flagship project brings together the Spokane Public Library, non-profit Thrive International, and Courage Housing.

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This groundbreaking collaboration is transforming a 1.62-acre vacant site into a mixed-use development featuring:

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• 48 units of mixed-income multifamily rental housing

• New public library area with community spaces

• Integrated services for residents to access jobs, healthcare, language training and more

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Integrating Housing, Services and Community Spaces

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Thrive International Apartments 1, LLC, managed by Thrive International and Courage Hosing, is developing and will operate the multifamily rental housing, purposefully designed to co-locate comprehensive support services for refugee families provided by Thrive International.

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Half of the apartment homes are reserved for refugee households at affordable rental rates. This inclusive community gives new Americans a welcoming environment to regain self-sufficiency.

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Sustainable Model for Nationwide Impact

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The pioneering co-located approach leverages public land to create a cohesive community hub integrating affordable housing, services, amenities and civic spaces under one roof. 

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Value-Driven Housing Commitment

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Courage Housing and its partners are driven by a mission to build inclusive communities and create opportunities through affordable housing. This flagship Spokane development represents their innovative approach blending public and private resources.

We believe housing provides a critical foundation, but its true value is achieved when wrapped with services and community spaces that holistically empower residents.

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