Washington Gorge Action Programs

What Washington Gorge Action Programs does

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Action Agency founded in 1966 and headquartered in Bingen, Washington. The organization delivers a portfolio of social service programs — including a Food Bank Network and Mobile Food Bank, Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) and Weatherization, Emergency and Transitional Housing, the Guided Path shelter, Programs for Peaceful Living for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, Pathways Health Connect one-on-one care coordination, a Community Youth Center, the Community Connections interpreter and equity program, Our Klickitat substance use prevention coalition, and fiscal sponsorship of emerging community projects such as the Klickitat County Childcare Committee — to low-income residents of Klickitat and Skamania counties in Southwest Washington. Service delivery occurs through three fixed offices (Bingen, Goldendale, Stevenson), a relocated Youth Center at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon, mobile outreach, partner referrals from a network of more than 20 community organizations, and bilingual online intake forms in English and Spanish. The organization reports reaching nearly 40% of residents in its two-county service area, distributing over 890,000 pounds of food annually through its Food Bank Network, and serving 5,900+ individuals from 2,700 households per year.

WAGAP operates a grant- and donation-funded revenue model with no fee-for-service pricing to clients. Revenue streams include federal and state government grants (LIHEAP through the Washington Department of Commerce, Drug Free Communities funding, and previously pandemic-era allocations that ended in 2024), private foundation grants (notably the Inatai Foundation for equity and inclusion initiatives, Rotary District 5100 for Tree of Joy), individual donations through a Partners in Hope monthly giving program and Legacy of Community Builders planned giving society, and proceeds from annual fundraising events such as Food For All at AniChe Cellars and the Tree of Joy holiday program. Distribution relies on community-led GTM: caseworker referrals, school and partner outreach, walk-in office intake, mobile food distribution to rural food deserts, and earned media through local outlets including Columbia Gorge News.

The organization maintains no proprietary technology platform — operations run on a Squarespace website, PayPal donation processing, email newsletter, and standard social media — and its services are delivered through human-intensive case management by Pathways Health Connect Community Health Workers rather than algorithmic systems. WAGAP is currently navigating a leadership transition after the February 2026 departure of Executive Director Jennifer Pauletto, while concurrently executing service rationalization (closure of the Second Hand Rose thrift store, discontinuation of the underutilized Stevenson warming shelter, Mobile Food Bank route reductions) and pursuing mission-scope expansion (Skamania County family resources, Community Connections, Driving Leadership Scholarship, civic engagement with Front & Centered).

Name

Washington Gorge Action Programs

Legal name

Washington Gorge Action Programs

Website

https://wagap.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is a 501(c)(3) Community Action Agency delivering food, housing, energy, domestic violence, youth, and care-coordination services to low-income residents of Skamania and Klickitat counties in Southwest Washington, reaching nearly 40% of the regional population.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Social Services

NAICS

Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Community Housing Services (62422), Community Food Services (624210), Emergency and Other Relief Services (62423)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Affordable Rental & Multifamily Housing Finance Programs (LIHTC/Tax Credits/Subsidized Loans) (FSALAKAF), Disaster Recovery & Emergency Housing Assistance Programs (FSALAKAK), Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization Housing Programs (FSALAKAO)

Keywords

• Community action services
• Social services nonprofit
• Energy assistance programs
• Food bank network
• Emergency housing support

Headquarters

HQ city

Bingen

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Contracts: WAGAP receives federal and state funding including LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) through the Washington State Department of Commerce, Federal Drug Free Communities grants, pandemic-era funding (now ended), and other government programs serving low-income residents.
2. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals via the website, including the Partners in Hope monthly giving program. Donations can be made online through PayPal or directly via bank transfer.
3. Planned and Legacy Giving: Bequests through wills, charitable gift planning, IRA Qualified Charitable Contributions, gifts of life insurance, and retirement account designations. The organization operates a Legacy of Community Builders program for donors who include WAGAP in their estate plans.
4. Foundation Grants: WAGAP receives grant funding from private foundations including the Inatai Foundation (equity grants, Community Connections program), Rotary District 5100 grants, and others supporting specific programs.
5. Fundraising Events: Annual fundraising events such as the Food For All fundraiser at AniChe Cellars and the Tree of Joy holiday program generate both financial contributions and in-kind donations.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Action Agency that delivers free social services to low-income residents of Skamania and Klickitat counties in Southwest Washington. Core offerings include food bank and mobile food distribution, emergency and transitional housing, LIHEAP energy assistance, domestic violence advocacy, youth development, health care coordination, and weatherization services.

Product overview

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Action Agency offering a comprehensive portfolio of social service programs addressing basic human needs in Skamania and Klickitat counties. The organization operates as a multi-service hub with distinct programs including: Food Banks and Mobile Food Bank network for nutrition assistance; Emergency Housing and Guided Path shelter for homeless individuals and families; Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance for utility support; Programs for Peaceful Living for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors; Pathways Health Connect for care coordination; Youth Center for youth development; Community Connections for interpreter services and immigration support; Second Hand Rose thrift store for clothing assistance; Tree of Joy holiday program; Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition for substance abuse prevention; Fiscal Sponsorship for community projects; and Driving Leadership Scholarship for youth. These programs work together through a Whole Family Approach to address food insecurity, housing instability, energy costs, health access, and economic hardship.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Food Banks / Food Bank Network
• Emergency Housing / Housing Assistance
• Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
• Programs for Peaceful Living
• Pathways Health Connect
• Community Youth Center
• Community Connections
• Weatherization Assistance
• Guided Path Shelter
• Second Hand Rose Thrift Store
• Tree of Joy
• Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition
• Fiscal Sponsorship Projects
• Driving Leadership Scholarship
• Buddy Heaters Program

Quantifiable outcome

• 5,900+ individuals from 2,700 households served by Food Bank Network annually; over 890,000 pounds of food distributed
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Northwest Community Action Center (NCAC) — Yakima Valley Farm Workers CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 May 2025WAGAP connected with the Weatherization Assistance Program through NCAC, a division of Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, to provide home weatherization services to Klickitat and Skamania counties. NCAC brings 25 years of experience working with low-income homeowners on energy efficiency improvements.
• Front & CenteredcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWAGAP partnered with Front & Centered through the Just Transition Leadership Program to expand youth leadership, civic engagement, and environmental education across Klickitat and Skamania counties. Projects included student-led wildfire preparedness with Lyle School District and Columbia River stewardship education.
• Klickitat County Childcare Committee (KCCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWAGAP serves as the fiscal sponsor for KCCC, which works to address childcare needs of rural families in Klickitat County. KCCC has helped five new childcare businesses open locally in 24 months, creating 42 childcare spots. WAGAP staff (Johanna Roe) serves as KCCC project coordinator.
• Gorge Native American Collaboration (GNAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGNAC is a collaborative network of tribal and Native-serving organizations in the Columbia River Gorge. WAGAP partners with GNAC to identify and serve Native families at In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites, including the Buddy Heater distribution program.
• Nch'i Wana HousingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNch'i Wana Housing is the tribal housing authority for the Yakama Nation. WAGAP collaborates with Nch'i Wana Housing to serve local Native communities, including joint outreach at In-Lieu Sites and distribution of Buddy Heater units with safety training.
• Columbia Gorge Health CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerColumbia Gorge Health Council members supported the Buddy Heater distribution effort, providing funding and resources to help Native families at In-Lieu Sites access heating solutions.
• AniChe CellarsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAniChe Cellars hosted the 2025 Food For All fundraiser benefiting the WAGAP Food Bank Network, featuring Levantine cuisine and jazz music. The winery's family owner is committed to giving back to the local community.
• Skyline HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkyline Health expanded the Health & Wellness Family Fair at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon, working with WAGAP, SWACH, Wellpoint, One Community Health, and the K-Link Collaborative. WAGAP's Prevention team co-organized the event.
• One Community HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne Community Health is a healthcare provider in White Salmon that provides mental health referrals and partners with WAGAP on events including the Health & Wellness Family Fair, Zumba classes, and the El Grito celebration. WAGAP Pathways Health Connect staff refer clients to One Community Health.
• Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSWACH is a regional health improvement collaborative and sponsor of the Health & Wellness Family Fair and El Grito celebration. WAGAP collaborates with SWACH on health equity initiatives and community wellness programming.
• White Salmon-Bingen Rotary ClubcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe White Salmon-Bingen Rotary Club is a long-standing partner in WAGAP's Tree of Joy holiday program. The club secured a Rotary District 5100 grant enabling them to sponsor 50 children in 2025, expanding the program's reach.
• City of White SalmoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of White Salmon is a primary sponsor of the El Grito celebration and previously donated space for the Community Youth Center. The city is also developing a splash pad at Rheingarten Park used during community events.
• Klickitat County Health DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWAGAP works with the Klickitat County Health Department on mental health resources, including distribution of information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and local mental health provider directories.
• Gorge Health Equity CollaborativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWAGAP is a member of the Gorge Health Equity Collaborative, a volunteer group of service providers that advocate for healthcare access and issued a joint letter explaining potential impacts of Medicaid funding cuts on Gorge communities. Members include The Next Door Inc., One Community Health, Columbia Gorge Food Bank, Klickitat Valley Health, and others.
• Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMCCAC collaborates with WAGAP on advocacy efforts, including issuing joint warnings about the impact of government shutdowns on critical programs serving low-income residents across the Mid-Columbia region.
• The Next Door Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Next Door Inc. is a member of the Gorge Health Equity Collaborative and co-authored the joint letter with WAGAP on Medicaid funding impacts.
• Klickitat Valley HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKlickitat Valley Health is a member of the Gorge Health Equity Collaborative, providing healthcare services in Goldendale and referring clients to social services including WAGAP.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Oregon Human Development Corporation: A statewide CAA covering rural Oregon with anti-poverty, housing, energy, and migrant farmworker programs — comparable in mission and rural service model but operating across the state line in Oregon.

Direct peers

• Mid-Columbia Community Action Council: A neighboring Community Action Agency serving the Mid-Columbia region with food, housing, energy, and emergency services — functionally identical to WAGAP and an active advocacy partner that has co-signed funding-cut warnings with WAGAP.
• Blue Mountain Action Council: A Community Action Agency serving Walla Walla and Columbia counties in Southeast Washington with food banks, housing, energy assistance, and emergency services — a peer CAA operating in rural eastern Washington under the same federal framework.
• Lower Columbia Community Action Program: A CAA serving Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties in Southwest Washington with comparable food, housing, energy, and weatherization programs — a direct peer covering the adjacent Lower Columbia region.
• Northwest Community Action Center (Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic): A Yakima Valley-based CAA delivering weatherization, energy assistance, and social services — the direct partner that provides WAGAP's weatherization programming and operates under the same CAA federal designation.
• Community Action of Skagit County: A Skagit County CAA delivering food, housing, energy, and self-sufficiency programs to low-income residents — a comparable rural Washington CAA of similar size and program mix.
• The Opportunity Council: A Whatcom County-based CAA providing housing, energy assistance, food, and early learning programs — a comparable multi-service CAA serving a rural Pacific Northwest service area under the same federal designation.

Emerging players

• The Next Door Inc. A Hood River-based social services nonprofit providing domestic violence, housing, and family support — an active Gorge Health Equity Collaborative partner with overlapping services in the adjacent Oregon Gorge region.
• Columbia Gorge Food Bank: An Oregon-based regional food bank serving the broader Columbia Gorge — overlapping with WAGAP's Food Bank Network mission but operating across state lines as a complementary food distribution organization.

Broad incumbents

• Catholic Charities of Central Washington: A larger faith-based social services nonprofit serving Central Washington with food, housing, immigration, and emergency assistance — overlapping service offerings but broader geographic and mission scope than WAGAP.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/wagorgeaction
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/washington-gorge-action-programs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Washington Gorge Action Programs