It started with a simple conversation during our weekly project meeting on October 28, 2025. Marty, one of our dedicated Advocates, shared something that weighed heavily on our hearts: several clients were worried about losing their SNAP benefits. For many of them—low-income homeowners—those benefits are a lifeline.

October was a month filled with purpose, progress, and heartfelt service. Our dedicated Handle-It volunteers stepped up to assist 12 low-income homeowners, addressing critical home repair and safety needs that directly impact daily life.

Earlier this year, Mr. Ryan suffered a heart attack, and while his recovery has been steady, his home presented a serious challenge: a roof in critical disrepair.

In place of our usual October in-person staff meeting, Catalyst leadership saw an opportunity to make a difference.

Cordero House, located in Portland, Oregon, is a residential treatment program serving male youth ages 13–19 under the care of the Oregon Youth Authority

Over three days, 62 volunteers contributed 371 hours to tear down the damaged structure, build a new deck, landscape the yard, and remove extensive debris—restoring safety and beauty to his outdoor space.

Ms. Ellis, a disabled senior living on a fixed income in a mobile home, was facing a dire situation. Her roof was failing, putting her home at risk of serious water damage.

July was a busy and impactful month for our Handle It team! These small-scale projects—typically completed in just a few hours by a couple of volunteers—are a vital way Catalyst NW supports homeowners with needs they may not be able to address on their own.

Ms. Lestat, a strong and courageous woman, has faced many hardships. Widowed for a decade and currently undergoing chemotherapy, she is immunocompromised and unable to keep up with the physical demands of maintaining her home. Her situation called for more than just repairs—it called for kindness, care, and community.

A Life of Resilience Ms. Fox—a proud Black, Asian, and Indigenous woman—has called her house “home” for over 20 years. After the...

Since 1984, Ms. Olds—a widow living alone in her Beavercreek home—has quietly gone about her life. But over the years, time took its toll on her house. Outdated single-pane aluminum windows and deteriorating siding left her home uncomfortable and vulnerable to the elements. She needed help, and that’s when Catalyst stepped in.

Ms. Robinson, a devoted mother and widow, lives with her adult son and 16-year-old daughter. Her son’s ongoing mental health challenges have made it difficult for her to maintain steady work, placing a heavy burden on the family.

Mr Springate's story with Catalyst is a powerful example of what it means to go “deeper” in supporting community members.

Catalyst’s Energy Conservation Program (ECP) team visited Mr. Ryan to conduct a free Home Energy Assessment (HEA). What they found was concerning: his only source of heat was a single Cadet wall heater, and his cooling came from a small window A/C unit in the bedroom.

Ms. Long has lived on her property since she was just six years old. In 1976, she and her late husband rebuilt the home where she still lives today—a home filled with memories and the hope of passing it down to her children.

Ms. Freeman lives alone in her beloved 1920 home with her two poodles, Riley and River. Like many seniors, she experiences anxiety and has

Ms. Chastain, an 81-year-old single woman, has been working toward a more energy-efficient home. In 2024, our Energy Conservation Program

At 62, Ms. Baxter faces daily challenges living with a disability while surviving on a limited Social Security income. With a full-time live