Love Overwhelming

Four (4) Things Cowlitz County's Data Taught Us About Homelessness When residents in Longview, Kelso, Castle Rock, Woodland, Kalama, and unincorporated Cowlitz County think about homelessness, they picture what's visible: someone sleeping outside, a line at a shelter, or a cold Washington winter night that feels uncomfortable but survivable. The data from Cowlitz County tells a deeper story. In December 2025, Cowlitz County Washington State experienced sustained freezing temperatures that created life-threatening conditions for people living outside across Longview WA, Kelso WA, and surrounding communities. The response to those nights and the outcomes that followed revealed four critical truths about homelessness in Cowlitz County that go far beyond shelter doors. These lessons matter because they show what actually works when Cowlitz County communities choose prevention, dignity, and accountability. 1. The Real Crisis Happens Before Emergency Systems Are Triggered When ...

5 Surprising Truths About How Nonprofits Are Actually Funded Have you ever looked up a nonprofit's tax form, seen a revenue figure in the millions, and wondered where all that money really goes? Maybe you’ve heard someone claim a local charity is "keeping 97% of donations" and felt a sense of skepticism or confusion. It’s a common reaction, but it’s often based on a fundamental misunderstanding of how modern community healthcare services are funded. The numbers on a tax document rarely tell the whole story. What looks like a massive pile of public donations is often something entirely different: a complex, highly regulated, and performance-based system of contracts and grants. This article will reveal the surprising reality behind those figures by breaking down five counter-intuitive truths about nonprofit funding. We’ll clarify what’s really happening with Medicaid contracts, healthcare grants, and community services funding to demystify the system designed to support ou...

When "Middle Class" Can't Afford Groceries Anymore: A Cowlitz County Reality Check By Charles D. Hendrickson, Executive Director, Love Overwhelming The comment section exploded: "A middle-class family can't afford this anymore." They weren't wrong. Here's the brutal math that proves it. The $202 Shopping Cart That Broke the Internet Someone posted their SNAP grocery haul online the other day. Milk. Eggs. Cheese. Pasta. Meat. Vegetables.  Nothing fancy. Just the basics every family needs. The total? $202 at Fred Meyer. The Rural County "Middle Class" Reality What Does Middle Class Even Mean Here? According to HUD's 2024 Area Median Income data: Middle-class household (3-4 people): $78,500–$87,000/year Actual median household income: $72,932 (2023 Census data) That sounds comfortable until you calculate take-home pay: Monthly after taxes: $4,200–$4,500 Now let's see where every dollar goes. Follow the Money: The Va...

  Welcome to Cowlitz County  By: Charles D. Hendrickson +  Harvey  Nestled in the southwestern corner of Washington State, Cowlitz County  is a land where rivers meet mountains, where history flows as surely as the Columbia and Cowlitz Rivers, and where community spirit runs deeper than the 1,140 square miles of forests, valleys, and volcanic landscapes that define this remarkable region. With a population of 113,982 (2024 estimate), Cowlitz County encompasses five incorporated cities - Longview (the largest), Kelso (the county seat), Castle Rock, Kalama, and Woodland - each with its own distinct character and proud traditions. The county's name derives from the anglicized Cowlitz Indian term "Cow-e-liske," meaning either "river of shifting sands" or "capturing the medicine spirit," a fitting description for a place where nature's power and human resilience intersect. Sources: Wikipedia: Cowlitz County Facts Cowlitz County Official Website W...

What the Forecast Means for Longview, Kelso, Kalama, Woodland, and Castle Rock Winter is approaching, and the question on everyone’s mind is simple: what will Mother Nature bring this year? According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) , colder-than-normal conditions are expected across the Pacific Northwest , including right here in Cowlitz County . That means communities like Longview, Kelso, Kalama, Woodland , and Castle Rock should prepare for a season that could bring both challenges and opportunities for neighbors to come together. A Winter That Tests Us NOAA’s winter outlook highlights that the Pacific Northwest is likely to see below-average temperatures and increased precipitation. For families in Longview and Kelso , that could mean higher heating bills. For residents in Kalama , Woodland , and Castle Rock , icy roads and storm disruptions may complicate daily life... Power outages. But for our most vulnerable neighbors... those experiencing hom...

Standing Together | Cowlitz County  By Charles D. Hendrickson, Executive Director, Love Overwhelming Across Cowlitz County in Washington State , families are facing empty cupboards as federal SNAP (food stamp) benefits are delayed or reduced during the ongoing government shutdown. In moments like these, it’s the strength of our local community that makes the difference.  At Love Overwhelming, we’ve seen firsthand how food insecurity compounds housing instability and health challenges. But we’ve also seen how quickly neighbors rise up to help.  Based on recent research and collaboration with local partners, including Lower Columbia CAP , which continues to lead countywide food distribution and outreach, here are the  TOP THREE (3) ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE RIGHT NOW to make a measurable difference . Call one local food bank to ask about volunteering. Make a donation to a local food organization. Contact at least one federal representative. Food banks across Washington a...