Who We Are
LIVED EXPERIENCE GUIDES THE WAY
We understand that people experiencing homelessness want help with a variety of needs but often lack opportunities to access help relevent to their challenging circumestances.
CAT SPOKANE is committed to removing barriers to care and providing holistic, supportive opportunities to work towards personal goals for housing, employment, health, transportation, exiting the criminal justice system, recovery from substance use disorders, and more.
our approach
Led by people with lived experience
CAT Spokane works towards health equity and strives to provide opportunities for accessing recovery and supportive services in an innovative, trauma-informed environment. Certified Peer Counselors, through their own lived experiences, are at the center of all that we do.
An Advisory Board, made up of people who are or have experienced homelessness provide guidance and insight to attain our mission. Recovery Community members’ self-advocacy is encouraged and supported through participation on the Advisory Board.
The team at CAT SPOKANE represents the individuals we serve. 100% of our team is in recovery and many of our team have experienced homelessness. Together, we demonstrate that recovery from homelessness, past trauma, mental health struggles, and substance use disorders is possible.
— Our Mission
Our mission is to provide compassionate, holistic care to people experiencing homelessness in a safe and therapeutic environment. We focus on removing barriers to care to empower people to strive for their personal goals and live the life they choose. CAT’s primary goals are to foster community connection, build trust, instill hope and personal empowerment for people experiencing homelessness.
— Our Vision
We envision a world in which people experiencing homelessness can work towards their personal goals of housing and healing, free from stigma. In this world, support, compassion, and encouragement from our community as a whole decrease the challenges faced while houseless, allowing people to more rapidly stabilize and have the opportunity to live the life they hope for.
— Our Story
Hallie Burchinal (Founder) shares her story of living houseless as a teenager, and her experiences that led to the creation of Compassionate Addiction Treatment. Event: March for Humanizing Homelessness. April 24, 2021.
CAT SPOKANE TEAM:
CAT Spokane is led and staffed by people with lived experience, clinical training, peer expertise, and deep commitment to our community. Our team includes peer counselors, substance use disorder professionals and trainees, case managers, outreach workers, shelter staff, medical providers, operations staff, volunteers, and board members.
As a team, we have a shared commitment to compassionate, low-barrier care for people experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, trauma, and systemic barriers.
Every role at CAT matters. From shelter coverage and outreach to clinical care, case management, peer support, administration, and volunteer service, our work is only possible because of the people who show up every day with compassion and commitment.
LEADERSHIP:
Sandy Munck
Executive Director
Joshua Leach
Director of Programs
Hallie Burchinal, SUDP
Founder, and Director of Outpatient Programs & Clinical Supervisor
Dr. Joe Kincaid, MD
Medical Director for Medication for Addiction Treatment
Joseph “JP” Peterson
Program Manager: Housing and Employment Case Management
Kelly Anderson
Program Manager: ROC Scatter Site Shelter
Thomas Waller
Facilities & Operations Coordinator
Board of Directors:
CAT Spokane is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors and community advisors who support our mission, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
To connect with our leadership or board, please contact us at hello@catspokane.org.