Make an
impact today

Support our mission by contributing a donation.

Your gift helps build The Shala Project services — a sacred space for learning, creativity, and connection in the heart of West Virginia. Every donation supports workshops, scholarships, and the ability to learn hands-on creation of our community gathering spaces. Together, we’re nurturing a place where people come to heal, grow, and belong.

3% Cover the Fee

Why give?

  • ✽ Seed Supporter

    $25

    Can provide materials for one student for an earthen building workshop

  • ✽ Root Builder

    $50

    Can sponsor a free yoga class for underserved or youth communities

  • ✽ Earth Ally

    $100

    Can fund the tools needed for sustainable building education

  • ✽ Wellness Warrior

    $250

    Can support a full day of programming for students

  • ✽ Shala Steward

    $500

    Helps fund long-term programming and scholarships

  • ✽ Visionary Patron

    $1000+

    Powers long-term education

“a generous soul will prosper, whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”-Proverbs 11:25

Landon Evans, President

“This is a project for the community, for you! with your help, this educational space will come more fully alive, creating more of an impact through our stewardship, community, and connection.”

Lauri Brammer, Treasurer

Make a donation.

The Shala Project is being built by hand and heart — and your support makes it possible. Your donation helps create a sanctuary for learning, healing, and gathering under the West Virginia sky. Give what you can, and be part of something that grows from the ground up.

3% Cover the Fee

 FAQs

  • The word Shala comes from Sanskrit and means “home,” “abode,” or “house.” Traditionally, a shala is a sacred gathering space — a place of learning, practice, and community.

    At The Shala Project, our shala will be a sanctuary for connection, creativity, and renewal. It will host small retreats, workshops, and community gatherings centered around holistic living, yoga, earth-based practices, herbalism, and creative arts. It’s a space where people can come to learn, share, and reconnect — with themselves, each other, and the natural world.

  • There will be onsite camping options. You also have the option to book one of the New River Gorge Nooks properties, which can be found under the About tab.

  • This was a phrase that Erin would say when working with Landon to let him know that they were not done working. There was always more to do.

    Chop Wood. Carry Water. originates from Zen Buddhist Philosophy.

    “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.
    After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.”

    The phrase is used to emphasize mindfulness, presence, and the sacredness of ordinary life. In Zen tradition, monks performed daily tasks—like chopping wood for heat and carrying water for the temple—as acts of devotion and meditation.

    The phrase teaches that enlightenment is not found in escaping daily life, but in fully engaging with it. The simplest actions, when done with awareness and humility, become spiritual practice. Stay with the work. Stay in the present. These are the philosophies that are embodied at The Shala Project.