Blessings Under the Bridge (BUTB) is a local and faith-based nonprofit in Spokane, WA. (under the I-90 off 4th and McClellan) It was founded in 2007 by Jessica Kovac. On a cold Saturday morning, 40 Brown Bags, a case of water, and a passion to simply love and help the homeless in Spokane has quickly grown into the largest community-building event in Spokane. BUTB is 100% funded by the kind and generous sponsors, donors, and others who support us. We have served, helped, and blessed over 250,000 lives to date. Our BUTB Family consists of 1 full-time and 5 part-time employees, a small board, and a fruitful group of leaders and volunteers. We have grown tremendously over the past 15 years and expanded our heart’s mission on many levels. We have extended our mission that goes “beyond”the bridge and provides support to Bowdish Middle School and Family Promise of Spokane. Our desire and intent is to move others to LIVE LOVE and SERVE! To donate click one of our donation options below (PayPal link available to mobile users only) or send us your blessing to our operations facility located at 10212 E 9th ave #600 Spokane Valley, WA, 99214 We are located behind Valley Christian School off 10th and Herald
For general questions, media relations, speaking engagements or more specific information please emailJessica directly at[email protected]
“Through God and unconditional hope, we endeavor to reach, bless, and offer love to the homeless and less fortunate by restoring purpose and dignity to the hearts of the homeless in our community and the communities around the world ” ( We are not a religious organization, we are proudly faith based. )
OUR STORY
2007
07 Oct
FALL 2007 – FOUNDING OF BUTB
Jessica Kovac working as a server in an upscale restaurant used her tips and joy and never knew her life would never be the same. Her spirit was alive as she felt God stirring her to help those in search of hope on the downtown streets of Spokane, Washington. Knowing this was something beyond her, she trusted God’s guidance and prepared 40 brown bags along with a case of water. On that cold October morning, she stepped out in faith. The Blessed Brown Bag was born that day. That step has since changed her life and encouraged others to join her.
10 Dec
FIRST WINTER EVENT SERVES OVER 400 PEOPLE
Soon, the team had decided to bring Christmas to the “Living Rooms” of the homeless and on December 22, 2007, the first annual Blessings Under The Bridge event was born. With linens on the tables a hot gourmet brunch and dozens of volunteers they served on the pavement under the freeway of downtown Spokane. Since then the “Blessings” have been unending.
2010
03 Jun
JUNE 2010 – BUTB BECOMES AN OFFICIAL NON PROFIT
2011
03 Sep
SEPT. 2011 – BUTB GETS THEIR FIRST BUILDING
06 Sep
JULY 2011 – 1ST ANNUAL SUMMER EVENT
These events have brought over 1000 people together. Blessings Under the Bridge is looking forward to many more annual events in their future.
2012
03 Mar
MAR. 2012 – BUTB SERVES THEIR FIRST HOT MEALS
2013
04 Mar
APR. 2013 – BUTB RECEIVES THEIR FIRST BUTB VEHICLE
2014
06 Apr
JUNE 2014 – WINNER OF SMALL NON PROFIT OF THE YEAR GREATER SPOKANE
2015
04 Mar
APR. 2015 – TED TALK
06 Mar
JUNE 2015 – HOOPFEST TEAM ESTABLISHED
Created the first and only Homeless basketball team to play in Hoopfest
03 Oct
OCT. 2015 – BUTB OFFICIALLY BECOMES PART OF MICROSOFT’S ANNUAL GIVE CAMPAIGN
2016
03 Dec
DEC. 2016 – FIRST DIFFERENCE MAKER OF SPOKANE (SPOKESMAN REVIEW)
2017
03 Apr
APRIL 2017 – LIFETIME SHOW LIVE LIFE FORWARD
03 Aug
AUG. 2017 – WINDERMERE FOUNDATION COMMERCIAL
Featuring BUTB and GU Nigel Williams Goss
03 Dec
DEC. 2017 – A BLESSINGS UNDER THE BRIDGE “THE BOOK”
2018
03 Jul
JULY 2018 – FIRST WEDDING UNDER THE BRIDGE
03 Aug
AUG. 2018 – MOBILE MEDICAL CLINIC REVEAL MOLINA HEALTHCARE
2019
03 May
MAY 2019 – BLESSINGS UNDER THE BRIDGE AND BEYOND PILOT PROGRAM
2021
21 Aug
A Tale of Two Cars
Numerica Credit Union donates to help purchase new vehicle
Spokesman Review: Donated vehicle used to start Blessings Under the Bridge helps former homeless mom with kids:
What began as a passion to simply love and help the homeless of Spokane has quickly grown into the largest community-building event in Spokane. We are 100% funded by the generous businesses and people who support us. Every cent goes directly into the operations and mission we strive to fulfill. Every Wednesday night over 300 people are served by more than 75 volunteers. Beyond our Wednesday night meal event, we provide two of the largest free specialty events for the homeless and less fortunate in Spokane and surrounding areas: our Summer Bash and Winter Brunch. Each event helps, serves, and helps over 1,000 men, women and children. BUTB is also very proud to put together “Hoops For The Homeless”, the first-ever homeless basketball team to play in Hoopfest. We look forward to our 7th year of hoops next summer. We also provide bus passes, school supplies, household items, furniture, and food outside of our weekly events. We also do weddings, memorials, and find any other ways we can bless and bring light to those often forgotten on the streets. Over 14 years later they served over 100,000 in Spokane, WA, along with California and Hawaii and plan to continue the mission to Feed, Clothe, Serve, Love and bring Spokane even more Blessings Under the Bridge. Upcoming: Blessings Portal
