Bringing the Plumbing Industry Together to Help the Los Angeles Mission

The International, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (IWSH®) Foundation and its project sponsors improved bathrooms at the Los Angeles Mission during the summer of 2026, contributing $150,000 to the Mission in labor and fixtures.

After 70 years of heavy use, leaks, drainage backups, and frequent repairs pulled time and money away from the Mission’s core work of serving more than 1,000 people a day on Skid Row in Los Angeles.

By combining industry expertise with quality products, this IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge® not only immediately improved 13 bathrooms, but it will also help lower operating costs going forward with water-efficient, tamper-resistant products from the U.S. plumbing industry.

"If we had done this ourselves, there is no way we could have achieved the quality of work and materials that IWSH brought to the Los Angeles Mission," CEO Dennis Oleesky said. "Our limited budget would never have allowed us to accomplish what this incredible team completed in just two weeks."

Meet Oleesky and the plumbing industry contractors and brands that supported the Los Angeles Mission in our mini-documentary:

The upgrades are expected to reduce the Mission's water consumption by about 760,000 gallons a year. The impact on human dignity and quality of life is incalculable.

“When things are not working properly, it doesn't serve with the dignity we intend on a daily basis," said Anthony Matthews, director of operations at the Mission. “If we have to shut down a restroom for a day, we have to turn [people] away until we can get that restroom back up to par.”

“Because of IWSH's generosity, we can direct more of our resources toward the programs and services our community depends upon," Oleesky said.

The Role of Quality Products in WASH Solutions

Quality products matter in a building where one failed fixture can interrupt shower and restroom access for people who depend on it.

The IWSH success equation for WASH solutions is well-planned projects + skilled plumbers + quality products + community education = scalable and measurable change. To help the Los Angeles Mission, 13 leading manufacturers and suppliers in the U.S. plumbing industry contributed the products part of the equation, including approximately, 30 toilets, 10 urinals, 40 faucets and 25 showerheads. Some of their representatives explain the value of supporting WASH solutions for their organizations:

Caleffi supplied thermostatic mixing valves

"No single company can solve broad public health or municipal infrastructure challenges alone, but the plumbing industry holds unique power when it collaborates, said Max Rohr, director of education for Caleffi North America.

“Donating hardware is only part of the solution; pairing precision-engineered components with skilled volunteer plumbers ensures that non-profit facilities receive high-performing, permanent upgrades.

"Caleffi saw an immediate need for reliable point-of-use thermostatic mixing valves to replace aging equipment, ensuring guests, staff, and residents have access to safe, temperature-controlled water services," Rohr continued. "Supporting IWSH allows us to translate our commitment to public health into direct community action.

"By uniting trade unions, contractors, and manufacturers around a common cause, the industry can quickly deliver major, dignified infrastructure improvements to communities in need. Donating time, materials, and technical coordination through organizations like IWSH creates a compound positive return, proving what is possible when the industry uses its collective resources.”

Kohler supplied toilets,  urinals,  showerheads, and several fixture components

"Addressing water security and sanitation challenges requires collaboration across sectors, and no single organization can do it alone,” said Samantha McLelland, program manager for water at Kohler.

"Our mission is to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives, and we believe access to safe water and sanitation is foundational to all three," McLelland said. “The IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge brings these priorities to life by improving access to safe water and sanitation while demonstrating how thoughtful design, collaboration, and innovation can create lasting value for both people and communities.

“Partnerships like the IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge demonstrate what is possible when manufacturers, industry organizations, skilled tradespeople, and community partners come together around a shared purpose.”

LIXIL supplied flushometers

"Every person deserves access to safe, reliable water and proper sanitation," said Troy Benavidez, leader of government relations and policy for LIXIL International. "LIXIL proudly supported the IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge at the Los Angeles Mission to help address critical infrastructure needs for vulnerable residents."

"This project aligns directly with our commitment to environmental sustainability and social impact, ensuring vital resources are conserved while elevating public health and human dignity in the communities we serve.

"Addressing real-world water and sanitation challenges requires collective action. We hope this effort demonstrates how manufacturers and industry partners can pool resources to deliver immediate, scalable solutions that change lives," Benavidez said.

Moen supplied metered faucets

"We believe that every person should have access to safe, reliable, and beautiful water and sanitary facilities, regardless of their circumstances," said Dan Macdonald, director of product compliance and lab services for Fortune Brands Innovations, Moen's parent company.

"When we learned about the impact this project could have on the Mission's guests, residents, and staff, it was clear that providing products and supporting the effort was a meaningful way for us to contribute.

"At Moen, sustainability is about creating positive impact for people, communities, and the environment, Macdonald said. “This project aligns with that commitment by helping improve access to essential water and sanitation services while also replacing aging infrastructure with more reliable and efficient plumbing solutions. Beyond the products themselves, the project demonstrates how partnerships can create lasting benefits for communities.”

An Industry Working Together

Manufacturers and suppliers supporting the project included Acorn, BrassCraft, Caleffi, Delta, IRS Demo, Kohler, LIXIL, Milwaukee Tool, Moen, Neoperl, Sloan, Symmons and Winsupply of LA.

Plumbers from eight contractors representing six United Association locals installed the products. Muir-Chase Plumbing served as lead contractor, joined by ACCO Engineering, Astro Mechanical Contractors Inc., Murray Company Mechanical Contractors, Pan-Pacific Mechanical, Revim, Suttles Plumbing and Verne's Plumbing, with support from the California Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association. The plumbers represented UA Locals 78, 230, 398, 484, 582, and 761. SoCal Pipe Trades District Council 16 also contributed to the project.

"Projects like this show how much of a difference our industry can make when we come together around a shared purpose," said Moen's Macdonald.

"I would encourage other manufacturers and organizations to look for opportunities like this. The impact extends far beyond the project itself and creates lasting benefits for the people who need them most," he said.

“By combining products, expertise, and local knowledge, we can create solutions that improve quality of life, strengthen community resilience, and expand access to safe water and sanitation," Kohler’s McLelland said.

“There are simply no words to describe how grateful we are to IWSH," Mission CEO Oleesky said.

Partner with IWSH

IWSH invites manufacturers and industry partners to support future IWSH Community Plumbing Challenge projects through financial support or in-kind product donations. 100% of donor contributions go towards our programs, so every contribution is directed and measurable. Contact: Robyn Fisher, IWSH Senior Director, North America, at +1 (909) 731-0460.