Interfaith Coalition on Poverty donates over $2000

Interfaith Coalition on Poverty donates over $2000 to emergency warming shelter and Lincoln High School
The Walla Walla Interfaith Coalition on Poverty is the lead entity for the annual recognition of Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, which in 2015 took place November 14-22. Every year, the week before Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the economic struggles of people in our communities and become better informed about how we can help them. The Interfaith Coalition on Poverty takes advantage of this national event to educate area residents about poverty in our community and also to raise funds this year for two important anti-poverty initiatives in our community: the warming shelter at First Congregational Church, and the basic needs program at Lincoln High school for their students.

Money was raised by dispersing Hunger & Homelessness wristbands to the community (at a suggested donation of $1) and education was achieved by distributing handouts on ways to fight hunger and homelessness. In response, awareness was heightened and many area residents and congregations donated, with over $2,000 raised during a two-week period in November.

Upon receipt of a check made out to United Way of Walla Walla County, Director Christy Lieuallen commented, “This is awesome and will definitely help with the warming center – every dollar counts!”

Marci Knauft, Principal of Lincoln High School, said, “We’ve had to do some interesting interventions lately related to housing and food and when these situations arise, it’s nice to know we have set-aside money for this purpose.”

The Interfaith Coalition on Poverty thanks all who contributed to Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week by wearing a wristband, learning more about hunger and homelessness, and/or acting in such a way to make a difference concerning these two timely and pressing social issues facing area residents.

BACKGROUND: The Interfaith Coalition on Poverty is a network of congregations and faithful individuals who are concerned about Walla Walla residents who experience economic insecurity. We represent a range of religious denominations and since 2008 have been meeting regularly and educating our congregation members about issues of poverty in our community.

PHOTO (L-R): Christy Lieuallen, Susan Kralman, Noah Leavitt, Marci Knauft and Eric Sayler.