Sanctuary Amid Uncertainty: Manzanita House's Lifeline for Unaccompanied Minors in Spokane
In the heart of Spokane, Washington, Manzanita House stands as a beacon of hope for immigrants and refugees. The organization's name, inspired by the resilient manzanita plant that thrives after wildfires, symbolizes the strength and adaptability of the immigrant communities it serves. Among its many services, Manzanita House's commitment to unaccompanied minors, children who have journeyed to the U.S. without parents or guardians, has become increasingly vital amid shifting federal immigration policies.
Carlos' Story
Carlos, a 14-year-old from Guatemala, arrived in Spokane after a harrowing journey to escape gang violence. Alone and frightened, he was taken in by a local foster family and connected with Manzanita House. With their legal assistance, Carlos applied for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, a complex process requiring navigation through multiple court systems. Thanks to the dedicated support from Manzanita House, his foster family and volunteers, Carlos now attends school and dreams of becoming a teacher, embodying the resilience the organization strives to nurture.
Manzanita House's efforts extend beyond individual success stories. By providing legal aid, language classes, and community engagement programs, the organization fosters a sense of belonging and stability. Its work deepens Spokane’s legacy of inclusion and compassion, helping the city develop into an even more welcoming home for all, a place where neighbors look out for one another, where fear gives way to trust, and where newcomers find firm footing in unfamiliar soil.
Yolanda's Story
Yolanda, a 16-year-old from Honduras, fled her home country two years ago to escape escalating violence. Settling in Spokane with her uncle, she sought assistance from Manzanita House to navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. Her new life here began to settle with a growing sense of security. But that suddenly changed.
In April 2025, her old experiences and fears from Honduras were brought back in a moment, when multiple armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrived unannounced at her uncle's home, demanding to conduct a 'welfare check.'
“They said they were doing a welfare check, but I’m worried. Why would they need so many agents to do a welfare check?” — Yolanda
Yolanda noted the presence of multiple ICE vehicles. Her attorney at Manzanita House, Sam Smith, expressed concern over the approach, emphasizing the trauma such visits can inflict on minors already grappling with past hardships.
When Policy Becomes Punishment
Consistent with the recent coordination of ICE enforcement and federal immigrant service cuts, the Trump administration has abruptly terminated a $200 million contract with the Acacia Center for Justice, a nonprofit that coordinated legal services for unaccompanied minors across the country. Through its partnership with Acacia, Manzanita House received funding to provide legal representation for immigrant children in Spokane.
The termination of this contract disrupted legal services for approximately 26,000 unaccompanied children nationwide, including dozens being served by Manzanita House. The organization is now facing a sudden shortfall of over $125,000.
These cuts are no surprise. They reflect pre-election policy goals outlined in Project 2025, a publication by the Heritage Foundation, and embraced by Republicans in Congress. In the section titled "Immigration and the Rule of Law", it recommends:
"The federal government should eliminate funding for legal services provided to undocumented immigrants, including unaccompanied minors, as these services encourage illegal immigration and burden taxpayers."
— Mandate for Leadership, Project 2025, Section: Immigration and the Rule of Law, p. 547
A Name, A Mission, A Promise
Despite the funding loss and the continued pressure from immigration enforcement, Manzanita House has remained true to its name. Like the plant that regrows in the ashes, the organization has stayed resilient and steadfast, providing shelter, guidance, and hope to the children who need it most.
In doing so, it not only protects the futures of kids like Carlos and Yolanda, but also strengthens the very fabric of the Inland Empire, making it a safer, more compassionate place for all who call it home.
