Summer is here, school is out, and the weather is warming up. Many of us are planning vacations and BBQs, trips to farmer’s markets and enjoying fresh food from our gardens. But not all of us are so fortunate. That’s why the work at Woodland Action Center continues full steam.
Homelessness Continues to Increase Every year the state conducts an annual point in time (PIT) count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons as required by the Homeless Housing and Assistance Act. This year’s PIT Count took place on January 25th.
While the data for Cowlitz County is still being processed, numbers for Washington State are sobering. Last year, the total number of homeless persons was 21,112. This year that number rose to 22,416. Of those, nearly 4,000 are children.
These numbers are only a snapshot of the total number of our fellow citizens who struggle to live and work and raise families in our area. WAC provides essential services such as food and emergency supplies to Woodland and the surrounding communities with the help of committed volunteers.
Loving People, One Load of Laundry at a Time Laundry Love has come to Woodland! Every second Tuesday of the month from 4 to 8 p.m., Laundry Love pays for 2 free loads of laundry at Cedars Laundromat, located at 629 Goerig St. Detergent and dryer sheets are also provided free of charge. WAC has partnered with local volunteers to bring this much-needed program to Woodland.
“The story of Laundry Love began with T-Bone (Eric), a houseless gentleman living in Ventura Calif. In one particular conversation, a question was asked of him: “T-Bone, how can we come alongside your life in a way that would matter to you?” His response was honest and practical. “If I had clean clothes I think people would treat me like a human being.”
Every single Laundry Love effort, or Laundry Love spin off and/or partnership around the U.S. is attached to this man. His desire for worth and welcome is found in us all. We all yearn to be treated as human beings. We never thought that this simple conversation 14 years ago would spark an idea that continues to influence and care for thousands of people every month. The creative and collective energy used to sustain, expand and share Laundry Love with you reminds us that every human being has tremendous worth, value and possibility.”
Hunger Action Month
September is the time for people all over America to stand together with Feeding America and the nationwide network of food banks to fight hunger. It’s a month to spread the word and take action on the hunger crisis, and dedicate ourselves to a solution. Woodland Action will once again be relying on local businesses to continue their generous support through donations, fundraisers, and promoting awareness.
Ways You Can Help
One important and effective way to be part of the solution to end hunger is to put on an event benefiting the Woodland Action Center. You can also invite WAC to speak at your next event. Contact us for more information at hello@woodlandaction.org.
With school wrapping up it's a perfect time to get the kiddos involved in volunteering! Contact gwenda.hayes@woodlandaction.org or go here: https://www.woodlandaction.org/volunteer
Donations of clean clothing and gently-used household items are always welcome at our thrift store, Tuesday – Friday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday noon – 4 p.m.