SPOKANE, WA – Zeal Church, located in the heart of downtown Spokane, is planning to launch a Justice Residence location across from its church. Heather Schott, founder of the Justice Reform, shared the news with Zeal Church members and supporters on Saturday (Nov. 7).
“Years ago, it was prophesied that there would be a Justice Residence in every state. Spokane, this is a fulfillment of that word,” Schott said in her video announcement.
Zeal Church launched in Spokane last year. Pastor Ray and Shantel Valdez faced backlash from the community earlier this year after deciding to end a food program at their church, called “Dine With Dignity,” which was spearheaded by an outside nonprofit organization called Shalom Ministries.
Some accused the pastors of Zeal Church of taking away a much-needed program designed to help the unhoused find their footing in society once again. Pastor Ray Valdez, however, presented a different story to his in-person congregation that included individuals receiving a meal from the “Dine With Dignity” program only to overdose in close proximity to the church after leaving the outreach ministry.
“Spokane does not need more meals,” Pastor Valdez shared in a statement made from his pulpit. “They need an encounter with our Jesus,” he continued.
“This is not about food,” the pastor went on to say. “This decision is not because we hate those people or Shalom, or that we are against feeding people. We are obeying God and we are setting a standard, and this is God’s house.”
The Justice Residence in Spokane will serve as a restoration house for men and women leaving sex trafficking and also for those battling with addiction. Zeal Church has until December 15, 2026, to raise $600,000 for the purchase of the building at 222 S. Howard Street.
The official opening timeline for the Justice Residence in Spokane is set for 2028. This location will be the second of its kind in the United States, with the Justice Residence in Fort Worth, Texas (currently under construction) being the first.