From The Goldendale Sentinel (18 October 2023) - reports come to newspaper staff of WAGAP busing houseless people to the ‘greener pastures’ of Goldendale. It’s not true…

Photo accompanying The Goldendale Sentinel article, no credit given

WAGAP staff will hold in-person events to help seniors apply for assistance with energy, water, and weatherization needs. Senior Services staff will also help seniors with PUD and water discounts at the same time. Read more for dates, times, and locations for energy assistance support.
Photo by Tatiana Zanon on Unsplash

In August of 2022, Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) opened a new shelter in Klickitat County, providing temporary safe housing to those fleeing domestic violence. Has it been worth the effort? Absolutely.

Beginning October 1, 2023, Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) will begin taking calls to schedule appointments for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for low-income residents in Klickitat and Skamania counties who need assistance paying their heating bills.

In an effort to bring home services to all counties in Washington State, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has awarded Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) a Rural Home Visitation Exploration grant for $30,000 to complete a needs assessment for Klickitat and Skamania counties.

Photo by Foto Phanatic on Unsplash

The WAGAP Food Bank Network team is very happy to thank everyone who participated in the 2023 Food For All summer concert fundraiser held at AniChe Cellars in Underwood in August. Together, donors and sponsors raised over $32,000 to support those fighting food insecurity in Skamania and Klickitat counties.

El Grito returns to White Salmon’s Rheingarten Park on Sunday, September 17, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. as the kick-off event for Hispanic Heritage Month on the Washington side of the Gorge. All are welcome, and admission is free.

The Cities of Bingen and White Salmon are partnering with Forth, an Oregon-based nonprofit focused on increasing equitable access to electric transportation, to launch GoForth CarShare, a community carsharing program. Beginning August 1, 2023, the public now has access to two all-electric Chevy Bolt vehicles. WAGAP is supporting this new program by providing $10,000 in matching grant funding for low-income families toward vouchers for the use of the new EVs.

Imagine your first month at a new job and finding out that you are unexpectedly pregnant and about to lose your home. Two years ago, this was Kristi Packer’s reality.

WAGAP made the decision to close its Emergency Cooling Center in Stevenson after it found that not a single person visited the facility last summer. Instead, the organization has been distributing “cooling kits,” which contain items like a battery-operated fan, water, and sunscreen.

The panoramic views from the lawns of AniChe Cellars in Underwood, Washington, will be the backdrop for the 2023 Food For All, scheduled for Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The fundraising event supports the Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) Food Bank Network.

One Community Health (OCH) and NorthShore Medical Group (NSMG), two of the Columbia River Gorge’s primary care groups, are joining forces to increase health services for Gorge residents on both sides of the Columbia River. Starting in January 2024, NorthShore Medical Group will become part of One Community Health. 

As summer temperatures begin to rise, Community Action Agencies in the Gorge are preparing to assist people in need of combating life-threatening weather conditions with individual Cooling Kits delivered by Houseless Outreach Coordinators.

Reaching rural communities to support families who fight food insecurity has become a mission for Anna Henschel. This big-city Chicago resident came to Klickitat County in 2022 and has taken to rural life like a fish takes to water. 

Across the globe, June 15 is recognized as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day during the full month of recognition. It is an opportunity for organizations like Programs for Peaceful Living to educate people and help protect seniors. 

Check out 2023 PRIDE events happening throughout the Columbia River Gorge!

by Columbia River PRIDE Alliance

KeAndra Erickson is a beacon of light in Goldendale. As the Housing Department Coordinator for Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), she leads a team that helps people struggling with housing insecurity and homelessness find solutions.

June 19th marks the day in 1865 when 250,000 Black Americans in Texas were informed by the Union Army that slavery had been abolished and they were now free. 

We’ve all needed help at some point in our lives.

Story and Photo by Zachary Villar, for the Goldendale Sentinel

2023 marks the 59th year since the Community Action Network was established to help families and communities overcome obstacles to poverty. Over 1000 agencies across the country are working every day to create opportunities and transform the lives of their neighbors, making communities stronger and helping families across the US thrive. This year, Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) and Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) also commemorate over 50 years helping families throughout the Columbia River Gorge.