EPHRATA – In a world where the cold can bite and hunger gnaws at the edges of self-esteem, a local nonprofit, His Helping Hands, is turning that frost into warmth and that hunger into nourishment. Founded in 2011, the organization continues to make an impact  through outreach programs, including a coat closet and a Christmas gift giveaway for children.  

Dawn Prince, the director of His Helping Hands, recently shared insights about the organization's evolution and its commitment to support those in need during a recent interview, shedding light on how they are addressing pressing issues in the community.  

“Initially, we began our journey by hosting a single event on Christmas Day, providing coats, hoodies, and gifts for children," Prince said. "We would serve dinner as well, and it all sprang from a church initiative.”  

Since then, the organization has expanded its operations significantly. His Helping Hands now runs a coat closet every Monday and Saturday, operating from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

“We have had to set guidelines to ensure we are helping as many families as we can,” Prince said. “Individuals must be present to receive items, and each person can utilize the coat closet only once per winter season. This keeps our resources available for others and helps track our outreach.” 

As the holiday season approaches, His Helping Hands prepares for its annual Christmas event, scheduled for December 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

“This year, we are excited to continue our tradition of giving,” said Prince. “We’ll have gifts for children ages 0-12 and McDonald’s gift cards along with candy for teens.”  

One of the most significant developments at His Helping Hands is the recent addition of showers and self-service laundry for homeless individuals.  

“Adding these services was a dream of mine for years. Thanks to grant funding, we are now able to provide these essential facilities for the community,” Prince shared passionately, highlighting the need for basic hygiene options for those experiencing homelessness. 

Statistics confirm His Helping Hands is meeting an ever-growing demand. 

“As of November 22, we have served around 605 people, which is a significant increase from previous years,” Prince said. “Just last year, we served 500 people by this time and a couple years ago 600 people were in our full season. I think with the cost of living rising, the need for our services has increased, and we are doing everything we can to help.”  

For families seeking assistance from His Helping Hands, the process is designed to be efficient yet supportive. Individuals are required to sign in with an ID, after which they can fill out a form detailing the hygiene items they need.  

“While families shop for coats and other items, we prepare hygiene bags, ensuring a smooth and respectful experience,” said Prince.  

Despite their noble initiatives, the organization is currently facing challenges in ensuring they can meet the community's needs adequately.  

“Hygiene products remain a constant need,” Prince stated unequivocally. “This season alone, we've spent over $2,000 on hygiene items, and we rely heavily on donations to continue providing these essential products.”  

Other urgent needs expressed by Prince included children's coats, particularly in size 6 and 7, as well as larger adult sizes, 3X to 5X and family-sized blankets.  

"As we strive to meet the demand, we find our stock dwindling, and community support is crucial. If anyone has items to donate or can assist with monetary gifts, it would make a huge difference,” she said.  

Looking ahead, His Helping Hands has exciting plans.  

“We plan to expand our reach by adding a kitchen and dining area next year, allowing us to serve a daily meal on the days we are open,” Prince said.  

This initiative will require significant funding, with an estimated budget of $200,000 to complete the project.  

“So far, we’ve collected half of the funds needed, but there’s still a long way to go," she said. 

Donations for this project can be made directly to the Columbia Basin Foundation, which has partnered with His Helping Hands. Checks should be mailed to Columbia Basin Foundation at 101 Basin St. NW, Ephrata, WA, 98823. Online donations can be made at CBFCommunity.org.  

For those looking to offer support, contributions can be made through various means—donating clothing, hygiene products, or monetary gifts—to help His Helping Hands fulfill its mission. For more information or to offer assistance, individuals can visit their website at HisHelpingHandsGC.org.  

His Helping Hands  
Open Sat. & Mon.
November-February
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
29 Alder St. SW, Ephrata
Saturdays and Mondays
Free lunch first Mon. of each month:
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Showers and laundromat available:
Monday and Saturday
8-9:30 a.m. by appointment only 

    The biggest needs His Helping Hands has right now include size six and seven coats for children and 3X to 5X coats for adults. They also need larger blankets and quilts.
  

    Outside of coats and blankets, there are a variety of other things for people to receive, all for free, at His Helping Hands, including shoes.
  

    His Helping Hands now has free self-serving laundry and showers on Mondays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.