A new partnership centering around civic engagement has been formed at Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP). Recently, Cristian Olivares and Ben Noble have been made co-directors on a mission to engage low-income residents as partners in building thriving communities. 

What are the blue pinwheels in Bingen and Goldendale all about? Throughout April, Programs for Peaceful Living is bringing attention to Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“Building Connected Communities” is the 2024 theme for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April. The focus this year is addressing social and structural factors that are essential to improving the way people live, learn, work, and play.

Houselessness can happen to anyone at any age. Just ask Teri Hounslow.  Following a divorce, Hounslow kept houselessness at bay—well, kind of. She had been running a campsite with her husband before that job and their marriage dissolved. Then, at over 60 years old, she found herself without a place to stay.

The Klickitat County Childcare Committee (KCCC) is back in action after receiving grants totaling $95,000 from the Washington Department of Commerce and Southwest Accountable Community of Health (SWACH). The new funding will allow the group to expand county-wide while maintaining efforts in the Goldendale community. KCCC has also added a Spanish-speaking coordinator to assist applicants seeking to start childcare centers or home-based programs.

Nearly 80 individuals joined a Mid-Columbia Houseless Collaborative meeting on February 13 to learn about progress made toward its goals during 2023, review strategic plan updates, and get an overview of key activities and projects planned for 2024. One highlight was the connections the group is making in the region.

What happens when people are treated for mental health conditions and then discharged but have no place to call home? In Skamania and Klickitat counties, the Community Behavioral Health Rental Assistance Program (CBRA) is in place to help people transition from care facilities back to their communities.

With winter in full force, partners throughout the region have been pooling resources together to help houseless community members cope with potentially life-threatening conditions. To keep this and other efforts going, Mid-Columbia Houseless Collaborative is extending an open invitation for individuals and organizations to learn more about its members’ work over the past year and their plans for 2024 at its next quarterly meeting from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on February 13 via Zoom.

Ben Noble is on a mission to get people talking. His job is an important one: to get landlords and tenants to discuss matters that could potentially lead to an eviction and try to help them find common ground and resolve their issues.

The Skamania County Emergency Warming Shelter in Stevenson opens on January 11, 2023. It is expected to be available through mid to late March, depending on weather conditions. The shelter is located near the Hegewald Center and is operated by Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP).

When a family struggles to make ends meet, the small things taken for granted can make a huge difference in their quality of life. The Family Resource Center in Goldendale helps to stabilize families with children under age 18 in Klickitat County to prevent child abuse and future houselessness.

Human trafficking is a global crisis. During the month of January, it is officially recognized to raise awareness in order to create change for a better world. Acknowledging and showing support during National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month helps contribute to rescuing victims, catching perpetrators, and improving the lives of survivors.  

Preparations for operating the Skamania County Emergency Warming Shelter in Stevenson are in progress. An opening date has not yet been announced, but when it opens, it is expected to be available through mid-March. The shelter is located near the Hegewald Center and is operated by Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP).

One step at a time is how Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is ensuring a deliberate and thorough approach to its dedicated Equity and Inclusion program. Sasha Bentley is leading the charge as the new Equity and Inclusion director. She is working from the inside out, starting with bringing people together in an equitable and safe work environment.

Santa is at the top of the list for Family Holiday Night on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Goldendale Grange Hall. The free event is open to all and will include ornament and cookie decorating and making a marshmallow snowman.

This year’s season of giving campaign, Two for GivingTuesday, will kick off at Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) beginning Tuesday, November 28, 2023.  “We are inviting community members to stop by Stevenson, Bingen, and Goldendale Housing offices to say hello and pick up two free WAGAP shopping bags,” said Jennifer Pauletto, associate director.

The call for donors is in high gear to meet the demand for the Tree of Joy holiday gift project in Klickitat and Skamania counties. The goal is to help families in need by providing new essential items, such as winter coats, hats, gloves, clothing, and shoes, with other gifts and toys to brighten a child’s holiday season.

Spreading holiday cheer is top of mind for Cheri Michaelson and Miki Caldwell of the "Elfing Elks," a group of ladies, members, spouses, and community members supporting the Mt. Adams Elks Lodge #1868 in White Salmon. 

Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition members are celebrating that their youth prevention work will continue to be funded by the federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant for another five years. The announcement came out of Senator Maria Cantwell’s office last month, just after the school year started. 

Skamania and Klickitat County seniors can apply to receive assistance to pay their energy bills through local events held in an ongoing partnership with Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), local PUDs, and the Skamania and Klickitat County Senior Services.