Walla Walla University CHE Hosts CARE Weekend in Spokane

By Emily Fry

CHE CARE Project Manager

On Saturday, February 10, Walla Walla University’s Center for Humanitarian Engagement (CHE) paired with the Spokane Central Adventist Church for a full day of service. Volunteers ate, sang, and ministered at a homeless shelter together. 

After a haystack lunch, volunteers struck out for Spokane House of Charity, a homeless shelter for men. There they washed feet, passed out socks, and listened to residents’ stories. 

“It was kind of a boost get us up and moving,” said Spokane Central member, Wenda Livingston. 

The volunteers rejoined with those that had stayed behind to sort Bible felts at the Spokane Central Adventist Church. The day ended with a hymn fest and game night complete with nachos. 

This service day was an example of what WWU’s CHE wants to do through their Community Action Relief Experience (CARE) project. CARE Weekends push the idea of service and sabbath by helping people use their free time to give back to their communities. 

As one WWU volunteer said, “It was the by far most impactful and tangible Sabbath I have ever had.”

Spokane Central Church has been coordinating with the CHE to bring the CARE project to their congregation. They hope it will expand the work they have been doing for the homeless population in Spokane. 

WWU is a private Christian liberal arts university that offers rigorous academic programs achievable in a supportive atmosphere from dedicated professors. The Center for Humanitarian Engagement (CHE) promotes a campus-wide lifestyle of service by connecting the WWU campus with service-oriented tools, resources, and opportunities. For more information visit wallawalla.edu.