SPOKANE, Wash. – The City Gate, a nonprofit providing essential services to those experiencing homelessness, closed its doors leaving vulnerable people in Spokane without crucial support during the winter months.
First reported by the Spokesman-Review, Pastor John Murinko managed operations at the foodbank, clothes bank, and more. A falling out with the Board of Directors led to Murinko’s abrupt departure just before Christmas.
Board Secretary John Kittel confirmed to NonStop Local the disagreement was about managing money. Murinko – who answered NonStop Local’s phone call – could not comment on the matter and refused to answer if the disagreement has any potential legal ramifications.
“The truth will come out soon,” Murinko said.
People who rely on the nonprofit – including 30 total who are living in an attached low-income housing complex – are concerned about the future of The City Gate. All services, aside from the housing complex, are on pause.
A newly formed advisory board contained both current and former board members. They meet Tuesday night to come up with a financial solution going forward, according to Kittel.
