As we prepare for Gathering for Change 2025, Council for the Homeless is honored to partner with organizations that support our mission and embody it in their everyday work. This year’s presenting sponsor, Walsh Construction Co., is a cornerstone of community development in Clark County and beyond.
We recently sat down with Ryan Wilde, president of Walsh Construction Co. (Walsh), to learn more about his company’s values, their impact on the region, and why they’ve chosen to stand alongside us in the movement to solve homelessness. From affordable housing to cultural centers, Walsh has spent over six decades building communities and spaces that truly serve people — and their work continues to shape a more equitable, resilient future.
Q. What do you do at Walsh Construction Co. and how long have you worked there?
A. In my role as President, I have the privilege of working alongside dedicated teams, community partners, and mission-driven organizations to bring impactful projects to life across Southwest Washington and Oregon. Our work is centered on building spaces that serve people — from affordable housing and community centers to schools and healthcare facilities.
I began my career at Walsh as a laborer in 1988, and I’ve carried a builder’s mindset with me through every stage of my career — one that values collaboration, hands-on problem solving, and deep respect for the people and communities we build for. Whether supporting preconstruction planning or working closely with local partners, my focus is on ensuring our work delivers long-term value and reflects the goals of those we serve.
Q. What is your company’s mission, and why is this work meaningful to you?
A. At Walsh, our mission is simple and powerful: Building Communities, Empowering People. For more than 64 years, we’ve been committed to delivering high-quality, affordable, and sustainable buildings that serve a broad range of community needs, including supportive housing, healthcare facilities, education, and cultural institutions.
We are driven by values of integrity, collaboration, inclusion, and excellence, and what makes this work so meaningful is knowing that our projects create opportunity, stability, and equity for the people who live, work, and thrive in these spaces.
Q. Why is it important to support the mission of Council for the Homeless, and how does your work align with ours?
A. Council for the Homeless plays an essential role in providing advocacy, resources, and solutions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness —a mission we wholeheartedly support. At Walsh, we believe that housing is a fundamental human right, and we are proud to partner with Council for the Homeless, helping our unhoused neighbors find meaningful pathways to stability and dignity through shelter and services.
We’ve delivered more than 52 projects in Clark County since our first in 1980, reflecting a strong and lasting commitment to this community and its mission-driven partners. Our mission aligns with yours not only in values, but in action: we bring a strong commitment to utilizing the local workforce, supporting apprenticeship opportunities, and partnering with local subcontractors to ensure meaningful economic participation.
By supporting your work, we’re contributing to a more equitable, connected, and resilient Clark County, a vision we are honored to share.
Q. What do you want other companies and the greater community to know about Walsh Construction Co., and the work you do?
A. Walsh is a partner in community development. We specialize in complex, multi-unit projects that serve affordable housing, education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. What sets us apart is our collaborative approach, commitment to equity and inclusion, sustainable and high-performance building processes, and a deep respect mission-driven work. We invest in long-term relationships and strive to support the vision of every organization we work with. Our work reflects our belief that buildings should serve people first.
Q. How does community involvement, such as this sponsorship, shape your company culture?
A. Community involvement is embedded in our culture. Being the presenting sponsor of Gathering for Change reflects our commitment to use our resources and platform to support partners doing the hard work of improving lives. It also reinforces our company values internally, reminding our teams that what we build, and how we show up for our community, truly matters. Our staff take pride in being a part of a company that puts people first and invests in solutions for lasting impact.
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Looking ahead to Gathering for Change on October 15, we are inspired by the powerful example set by Walsh Construction Co. and the leadership of Ryan Wilde. Their commitment to building with purpose — and their unwavering support of organizations like Council for the Homeless — remind us that lasting change happens when people and companies come together with shared values and a common goal.
Join us for this year’s event as we celebrate partnerships that strengthen communities, empower people, and move us closer to preventing and ending homelessness in Clark County. Reserve your seat today: https://www.councilforthehomeless.org/events/gathering-for-change/.
