Amerigroup President Anthony E. Woods was recently recognized for Amerigroup’s commitment and support during a visit of Share House in Vancouver

VANCOUVER – Share serves as a leading community advocate in Clark County through its sustainable solutions by building relationships, advocating for equitable access to housing and food stability while empowering every individual to grow and thrive. Through its Hot Meals program, Share serves more than 90,000 free meals annually – not only to outreach and shelter clients, but also to thousands of individuals and families who work, but do not make enough to consistently put food on the table. However, when the walk-in cooler stopped working, its kitchen faced an emergency. That is when Amerigroup Washington stepped in to pay for costly repairs.

“When the cooler stopped working, it was a true crisis for Share’s Hot Meals program,” shared Holley Walhood, Share’s food service coordinator. “We had to throw out food, which was just heartbreaking.”

Share House’s cooler was constructed as part of the original building, so it could not be replaced. It had to undergo costly repairs. That is when Amerigroup Washington came forward with a $10,000 sponsorship to cover the cost of repairs and continue to serve free meals in Clark County. 

“Amerigroup understands that access to consistent, healthy meals is a driver of health, so we are championing programs like Share’s Hot Meals program in Clark County, to make a positive difference in overall health outcomes and lives,” said Anthony E. Woods, President of Amerigroup Washington. “We are grateful for the opportunity to play a role in helping individuals and families overcome disparities, and we thank Share for its collaboration in the effort to advance health equity.”

In late July, the Amerigroup Washington President and members of his leadership team joined Share in Vancouver to present a check. They toured Share House, listened to updates about the vitality of the Hot Meals program and discussed opportunities for continued partnership.

“In the past four years, Amerigroup has sponsored tens of thousands of dollars in support for Share’s meal programs,” said Diane McWithey, Share executive director. “They have proven time and time again to be a dedicated partner in creating healthy communities, and we are truly grateful for their ongoing support.”

According to information collected by Feeding America, approximately 38 million people face hunger in the U.S., including more than 12 million children. Across the state of Washington, more than 638,000 residents are impacted by food insecurity and there is an annual food budget shortfall of more than $365 billion. Amerigroup, its Foundation and affiliated health plans have taken a community-based approach to reducing food insecurity, and committed tens of millions of dollars across the entire nation to improve lives. 

About SHARE

Founded in 1979, Share’s mission is: Share believes every person counts. Together we pursue a stronger community by building relationships, advocating for equitable access to housing and food stability while empowering every individual to grow and thrive.

Share operates four shelters for those experiencing homelessness, an Affordable Housing and Stability program, Lincoln Place (a 30-unit Housing First model apartment complex), a street outreach program, a Housing & Essential Needs (HEN) program, Rent Well (a tenant education program), and Hot Meals, a daily meal program (breakfast, lunch and dinner) which is free and open to the community. Share also operates a Summer Meals program that provides free meals to children 18 and under, and a Backpack program in partnership with 84 local schools to provide weekly food bags to 850+ children and their families, as well as to distribute 25-plus weekly pantry boxes and operate 18 fresh food pantries. For more information, visit sharevancouver.org or facebook.com/ShareVancouver.

About Amerigroup Washington

Amerigroup Washington helps improve health care access and quality for more than a quarter of a million Washington state residents by developing innovative care management programs and services. Members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and person-centered. Amerigroup Washington provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in improving and managing their health. Through access to health education programs, our members are empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle. For more information visit www.myamerigroup.com/wa.