Uplifting Native Communities Along the Columbia River: SWACH Supports Nch’i Wana Housing
In the Columbia River Gorge, many Native families live without stable housing, running water, or electricity—yet they remain deeply connected to the river and their cultural roots. Nch’i Wana Housing, founded by local Tribal leaders, is working to change that reality—offering support, stability, and a vision for long-term housing justice.
With a funding investment from SWACH, Nch’i Wana Housing will strengthen its operations, expand outreach to Native communities in Klickitat and Skamania counties, and support programs that meet urgent needs while honoring cultural traditions.
Supporting a Vision for Housing Justice
Nch’i Wana Housing is a Native-led, Native-serving organization focused on supporting off-reservation Tribal members from the Yakama, Warm Springs, Umatilla, and Nez Perce Tribes. Their work includes everything from case management and rapid rehousing to hosting cultural events like the Columbia River Round Dance and First Foods Feasts.
The SWACH funding will allow the organization to:
Sustain two critical leadership positions: an Executive Director and Operations Manager, who guide both daily operations and long-term strategy;
Expand outreach services in rural counties where Native residents face extreme barriers to resources;
Provide tablets, phones, and supplies to outreach staff so they can help clients apply for housing, benefits, and health services in the field;
Purchase emergency supplies like food, water, tarps, and warm clothing for clients experiencing crisis or houselessness;
Host cultural classes and events that strengthen connection, identity, and healing.
Meeting Needs, Honoring Culture
Because many services are only accessible online, Native community members without consistent access to internet or phones often fall through the cracks. Nch’i Wana Housing serves as a trusted cultural bridge, guiding clients through paperwork, referrals, and advocacy—while also offering practical help and cultural programming that affirms their identities and histories.
This investment from SWACH fills critical gaps in operational support—funding not just direct service but also the infrastructure that keeps a small nonprofit running, like software subscriptions, data management, and compliance costs. That foundation will help Nch’i Wana Housing pursue its broader goal: developing Native-specific housing along the Columbia River.
A Shared Commitment to Health Equity
SWACH’s investment in Nch’i Wana Housing reflects our belief that health is deeply connected to housing, culture, and community. By supporting Native-led solutions rooted in lived experience, we help strengthen the fabric of health equity in Southwest Washington.
Together, we’re working to restore what was lost—and build something stronger in its place.
Learn more about Nch’i Wana Housing here: https://www.nchiwana.org/
Learn more about SWACH: southwestach.org/cfm