Expanding Hope for Walla Walla Residents in Need

The second Friday of every month is a day our Walla Walla, Washington team looks forward to. For years, they’ve gathered at a local nonprofit to serve warm meals and kind conversation to guests facing some of life's hardest challenges. So in 2024, when the beloved nonprofit asked us to help expand their outreach, we wholeheartedly joined in.

In one of our largest one-time gifts, we contributed $150,000 to the Christian Aid Center’s Building For Change expansion project, which focused on funding the construction of a new facility to shelter men experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental illness and food insecurity. 

“We’re honored to partner with this organization and help support more people in need in Walla Walla,” said CRA Director, Camino Smith. “This is one way we demonstrate our commitment to being connected and responsive to the needs in our community, especially when it comes to housing, health and stability for our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Walla Walla Branch Manager, Brad Baumann volunteers with the nonprofit regularly and explained, “It made sense to consider making a leadership gift that created a ripple effect. Together, we're making a real and lasting difference in the Walla Walla community.”

More about the Christian Aid Center
The organization serves more than 47,000 meals each year and provides lodging and vital services to anyone in crisis, many of whom earn less than 50% of the area median income. To learn more, visit their website.

Pictured: Walla Walla Branch Manager Brad Baumann (l.) and Christian Aid Center Executive Director & CEO Jason Wicklund (r.).