Spokane Church Turns Fire Loss Into 22 Homes for Refugees

When fire destroyed Bethany Presbyterian Church in Spokane, Washington in January 2022, the congregation could have simply rebuilt what they lost. Instead, they chose to create something better.

An overloaded circuit sparked the two-alarm blaze that gutted the sanctuary. No one was hurt, but the building was devastated. For many churches, this would have been the end of the story.

But Bethany's congregation had been dreaming about affordable housing for years. They just needed the right moment to make it happen.

"As much as we liked our building, we are reminded again and again: The people of God are the church," the congregation wrote on their website. The fire became their catalyst.

For the past two years, members have worshipped at a neighboring church while firefighters used their damaged building for training. Meanwhile, the rebuilding committee got to work on something ambitious.

The Bethany Project will transform their property into a $12 million community campus. It includes a new sanctuary, a community center with a communal kitchen and playground, and two apartment buildings with 22 units total.

Local nonprofit Proclaim Liberty stepped in to help navigate the complex process. "It was a God thing," said Brian Royer, chair of the rebuilding committee. "The Holy Spirit put us together."

Half the apartments will go to immigrant and refugee families through THRIVE International. The other half will serve homeless families through Family Promise, a local shelter.

The Bright Side

Bethany's congregation knows firsthand what displacement feels like. They've been without a permanent home themselves for two years, and that experience shaped their vision.

"We haven't lost hope, and we've never lost our sight for what we need to do," rebuilding committee member Sharon Smith told KREM2 News. "How can we walk side by side and help these people get their families safe and sound?"

The land was dedicated last fall, with demolition starting soon. The funding package should close in June 2026, with construction following immediately after. They're about $1 million short of their goal, but Smith isn't worried.

"Whether it's just next month or if it's in six months, it will happen," she said. The church hopes to celebrate completion by Easter 2027.

What started as a devastating loss became a chance to live out their values in concrete ways.