In the Heart of Roosevelt: Roosevelt opens its heart to CCHC and WAGAP

The apartment complex was developed and is owned by CCHC, a local leader in affordable housing development for over 35 years. “We are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing for low-income families in the Mid-Columbia Region: Klickitat and Skamania counties in Washington, and Sherman, Wasco, and Hood River counties in Oregon,” says Joe Gillock, Asset Manager for Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation.

Like many communities in Klickitat County that lie beyond city urban areas, geographic isolation creates significant challenges. Residents of Roosevelt must travel an hour north or west to access basic household needs such as food, clothing, and resources .  

This is where WAGAP comes in. “WAGAP has worked with residents at the property for many years, providing utility and rent assistance and helping them access other resources,” says Gillock.  “We are hopeful that having a dedicated space at the property to be able to meet with clients and store supplies will increase local participation in services and engagement opportunities”.

For years, the Pathways program, which is composed of the WAGAP Community Health Workers, has prioritized meeting with community members where they are at, regardless of location.

“The first thing that stood out to me was the isolation that these families experienced,” shares Mary Alejandre, Civic Engagement Director. ‘’These families are so isolated from other communities that they do not have access to the same opportunities as children in larger communities. Even basic resources, such as free school meals and after school activities like sports, are unavailable. Some families also lack reliable transportation to buy groceries and must wait until weekends for someone to drive them to the store and to church. For many, this is also their only opportunity to participate in recreational activities and spend time outside their community. With one local store and no fuel nearby, simple items such as a gallon of milk can cost about $7 for community members.

In 2022 WAGAP’s nutritional program launched a mobile food truck program to serve isolated communities such as Roosevelt and Bickleton. Once a month, the mobile food bank brings proteins, fresh produce, breads, and other much-needed items that might be out of reach for families due to increased fuel prices and the distance they would have to travel to supplement days in between those grocery trips to the cities.

“Connections made through programs like Pathways and the Mobile Food Bank have also given us the opportunity to create outreach events and celebrations with the Roosevelt families,” shares Mary. Last year, WAGAP, in partnership with the Roosevelt School District, hosted multiple outreach events at the school, which included energy assistance registration, resource fairs, and the Christmas celebration for all the children at the school. “I am happy that we can bring some joy to the community”. 

It is anticipated the space will enhance community access to multiple WAGAP programs, such as emergency food supplies, rental assistance and energy assistance, and provide space for partners to visit the community on a regular basis. The space will also include a clothing closet and computers that individuals can use to apply for employment, learn computer skills, and have access to technology.  

“We are so incredibly grateful for the partnerships and relationships with the community members that have grown and flourished throughout the years,” says Mary. “We are excited to open the doors and start meeting with residents at the new space in Roosevelt”.

To learn more about each program, you can visit their websites at https://www.columbiacascadehousingcorp.org/ for Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (CCHC) and wagap.org for Washington Gorge Action Programs.