Across Cowlitz County, Washington... from Longview to Kelso, Castle Rock, Woodland, and Kalama, families are struggling to put food on the table as SNAP benefits are delayed during the ongoing government shutdown. In this episode, we hear from community leaders at Love Overwhelming and Lower Columbia CAP about how food insecurity impacts housing, health, and hope, and how neighbors are stepping up to make sure no one in Cowlitz County goes hungry.

You’ll learn three simple, powerful ways to make a difference right now:

1. Volunteer at a local food bank.
2. Donate to organizations feeding families.
3. Advocate for federal SNAP funding in Washington State.

From St. Vincent de Paul in Longview to Food 4 Change in Cowlitz County, this episode celebrates the heart of Southwest Washington, where compassion turns into action.

Listen, take action, and share this message to remind your neighbors they are not alone.

Featured Organizations:

• FISH of Cowlitz County
• St. Vincent de Paul Longview
• Lower Columbia CAP Help Warehouse
• Salvation Army Longview
• South Kelso Neighborhood Association
• Radical Love
• Food 4 Change Cowlitz County

Advocacy Contacts: Sen. Patty Murray • Sen. Maria Cantwell • Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez • Sen. Jeff Wilson 📞 Washington Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000

Take Action: Visit loveoverwhelming.org to volunteer, donate, or organize a food drive.

Episode Title: What the Forecast Means for Longview, Kelso, Kalama, Woodland, and Castle RockProduced by: Love Overwhelming Podcast | Extending Hope + Purpose in Cowlitz CountyHost: Charles “Chuck” Hendrickson

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 more rain, more snow, and more need for community connection in Longview, Kelso, Kalama, Woodland, and Castle Rock.

This episode explores how the forecast affects everyone—from homeowners and commuters to our most vulnerable neighbors facing homelessness or housing instability.

Key Topics

• NOAA’s 2025 winter forecast for Southwest Washington
• Local implications for Longview, Kelso, Kalama, Woodland, and Castle Rock
• Power outages, icy roads, and higher heating costs
• How cold weather impacts people experiencing homelessness
• What Love Overwhelming and community partners are doing to respond
• Practical steps you can take to make a difference this winter

“No one in Cowlitz County should face the cold alone. No one should die on our streets. There are solutions.”

Love Overwhelming’s mission is to extend hope + purpose through accountability, recovery, and community. Our work is rooted in compassion and action—ensuring every person has a safe place to weather the storm.

Local Spotlight

• Longview & Kelso: Preparing warming shelters, expanding outreach coverage.
• Kalama: Community check-ins for seniors and families in need.
• Woodland: Coordination with local churches for emergency shelter space.
• Castle Rock: Volunteer networks assisting with snow shoveling, food delivery, and welfare checks.

Together, these efforts define who we are—neighbors who care.

The NOAA forecast reminds us that this winter will test our community—but forecasts don’t define outcomes. Our compassion does.

Let’s make sure that no matter how cold it gets, hope remains warm in Cowlitz County.

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Love Overwhelming Podcast

- Show Notes

Welcome to the Love Overwhelming Podcast, where we dive into real stories, solutions, and the fight to end homelessness i Washington State. This episode explores how we can shift the narrative around homelessness, addiction, and recovery through peer support, harm reduction, and housing assistance.

How We Can Change the Narrative:

Invest in Affordable Housing – Support policies that expand emergency and permanent housing options.

Expand Peer Support Services – Lived experience matters. Connecting people to someone who’s been there makes all the difference.

Support Harm Reduction – Recovery starts with safety, stability, and dignity.

Spread the Word! The Love Overwhelming Podcast shares real experiences and practical solutions—help us make an impact by sharing this episode!

🔗 Get Involved & Learn More:

Website: www.loveoverwhelming.org

Follow Us on Social Media:

Facebook: Love Overwhelming

Instagram: @loveoverwhelming

Twitter: @loveoverwhelming

Let’s create real change—one conversation at a time. Subscribe, like, and share this episode! #LoveOverwhelming #HomelessNotHopeless #PeerSupport #HarmReduction #WashingtonStateHomeless #EndHomelessness #activeaddiction #washingtonstate #longviewwashington #kelsowashington #cowlitzcounty #punishersquad #protest #recovery #peer #harmreduction #

Keywords & Topics Covered in This Episode: Love Overwhelming,

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