August 26, 2026
Every day the Los Angeles Mission opens its doors to more than 1,000 individuals experiencing homelessness. From hot meals to residential recovery programs, the Mission provides a critical lifeline for adults and families rebuilding their lives. But operating a high-traffic, 24/7 sanctuary creates immense demand on the facilities infrastructure, especially the plumbing system.
When aging pipes, worn fixtures and fluctuating water temperatures threaten the daily reliability of essential services, the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) stepped up. Bringing together volunteer plumbers, trade unions, contractors, and manufacturers, IWSH launched the 2026 Community Plumbing Challenge to complete major, long-overdue updates at the facility.
At Caleffi, we believe safe water is a fundamental human right. When IWSH reached out, we were honored to donate our SinkMixer™ point-of-use thermostatic mixing valves to help restore safe, sustainable water services to the Mission.
The Hero Under the Sink
When upgrading plumbing in a large commercial environment, fixing what's visible above the counter is only half the battle. What happens under the sink dictates whether a water system is safe, efficient, and reliable. In high-occupancy settings serving vulnerable populations, preventing accidental scalding is vital. The SinkMixers adjust incoming water temperatures, maintaining a safe, comfortable output at the fixture during heavy use.
Safety comes standard. If the cold water supply ever fails, the Caleffi valve automatically shuts off the mixed water flow, reducing the risk of scalding.
Time and space matter during rapid infrastructure upgrades. Our 4-port design features a built-in cold water bypass, eliminating the need for extra piping or extra tees. This allowed the IWSH volunteer plumbers to complete clean, efficient installations in tight undersink spaces quickly.
Seeing our products installed by skilled union plumbers alongside industry peers reinforces why we do what we do. Reliable hydronic and plumbing equipment isn't just about technical specifications; it’s about protecting public health and restoring basic human dignity.
This collaborative effort caught the attention of major trade outlets across the plumbing and HVAC industries. You can read more about the project's broader scope in CONTRACTOR Magazine and PHCPPros, or review the official IAPMO Press Release.
Check out the IWSH Project Reel to see live footage of the volunteer plumbers completing the undersink installations.
