Community Relations

Our Impact on the Community in Action

We are blown away by the generosity of WaFd Bank. We will be using this money to help subsidize our 6 units at Emerson Harbor (in Chelan, Washington). This is a game changer for us. When combined with other fundraising efforts we are now able to keep all 6 of the homes in our portfolio and not sell any at market rate (we had previously planned to sell 2 units at market rate to help subsidize the remaining 4 units). We had applied for a grant through [Washington Federal Foundation] and it was mentioned we would be getting something, 20kish, which would, by itself, have been amazing. 20k was double what we asked for. When Ken [McLain, Inland Northwest Regional President, WaFd Bank] turned the check over to reveal $80,000, I was shocked. We knew there was the 3:1 match program but for some reason thought WaFd was not able to utilize it. Boy are we glad they did. This donation is one of the all-time best for our organization, and one that will not be forgotten. We are so blessed to have WaFd as partners, it makes a world of difference…I really believe that WaFd is trying to help with the housing crisis going on locally, and that means a lot to me - to all of us.

Scott Meyers, Executive Director, Chelan Valley Housing Trust

Volunteerism

WaFd Bank employees are invested in their neighborhoods and giving back. We support volunteerism by giving them time out of their day to support the organization they are passionate about. Every year they invest more and more of their time and of themselves in helping those nonprofits who serve the most vulnerable members of our community.

United Way Matching Campaign

WaFd Bank matches employee contributions made to United Way agencies in all nine states: In Fiscal 2024, pledges and donations for United Way totaled $847,000. This is over $100,000 more than the prior year.