Wildfires are wreaking havoc on California, Oregon, and Washington, killing at least seven people and forcing tens of thousands of people into shelters amid the coronavirus pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of acres have been charred along the coast, and in California alone, 14,000 firefighters are battling 28 major blazes that have burned over 2.5 million acres, according to Cal Fire. In Oregon, about 35 fires are raging across more than 300,000 acres, and in nearby Washington, 480,000 acres have been incinerated, almost completely destroying small towns like Malden, according to The New York Times. The wildfires could ignite a financial crisis by damaging home values, state tourism and local government budgets. Please support in however way you can.
Stay informed:
CNN continuously updates live coverage of the fires
National Interagency Fire Center: a complete list of all active wildfire incidents across the United States.
Critical Needs:
Immediate needs include shelter, food, evacuation support, family reconnection, health care and case management. Due to COVID-19, evacuation supports will require additional resources to accommodate non-congregate housing.
Supply needs can include:
As with most disasters, cash donations are recommended by disaster experts as they allow for on-the-ground agencies to direct funds to the greatest area of need, support economic recovery and ensure donation management does not detract from disaster recovery needs. Many firefighters are volunteers and responding to a fire could result in a loss of their primary income source, so support is needed to support their basic needs.
National organizations:
The Red Cross is working in all three states providing meals, health services, comfort and other support for affected residents. You can also sign up to volunteer.
The Red Cross’ Safe & Well program lets family and friends know that you are safe and well through an easy registration and communication system.
CNN’s Impact Your World: provides support to 6 organizations including American Red Cross, California Fire Foundation, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, United Way of Northern California, United Way of Jackson County, and United Way of Whitman County. You can help by donating or sharing awareness.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides emergency medical, housing and other types of assistance for those affected by disasters.
If you are considering supporting an organization that is positioned to work in an affected area, do some research. The CDP and National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters have lists of organizations working in affected communities. Local community foundations also have insights into nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that are best suited to respond in a particular community.
Local organizations to support:
California:
California Fire Foundation: provides critical support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they serve. Your tax-deductible donation will help us provide aid to victims of fire or other natural disaster through the Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) Program, which provides $250 gift cards to eligible victims.
United Way of Northern California: provides emergency cash grants to those who lost their homes.
Solano County Community Foundation: supports recovery and rebuilding efforts in Solano County with its Solano Disaster Relief Fund.
California Immigrant Resilience Fund: can direct you to local efforts in Northern California to ensure undocumented families impacted by wildfires have support and resources necessary to recover and rebuild their lives.
Latino Community Foundation: operates a NorCal Wildfire Relief Fund which invests in grassroots Latino nonprofit organizations in Sonoma and Napa Counties.
California Association of Food Banks: represents more than 40 food banks in the state that provide food to millions of residents, including victims of wildfires.
GoFundMe’s California Wildfire Relief Fund: aims to “support a range of needs” by issuing “grants to individuals, organizations and communities that have either been impacted themselves or are dedicated to helping.”
Hoxton Hotel in DTLA: offers a place to call home for the night to residents who have been displaced. Email hello.dtla@thehox.com with proof of address.
Oregon:
United Way of Jackson County: provides emergency cash grants to those who lost their homes.
Mid-Valley Wildfire Relief Fund: provides emergency cash grants to those who lost their homes.
United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley: accepts items that can be dropped off at 455 Biller Avenue NE between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
United Way of Lane County: provides immediate assistance to local nonprofits meeting the needs of families and individuals who have lost their homes, their businesses, or have been otherwise impacted by the 2020 fires in Lane County.
Lane County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD): brings together a broad array of community organizations to foster an effective response to the people of Lane County in times of disaster.
Wildland Firefighter Foundation: supports the families of firefighters who have lost their lives
Black Unity PDX: receives and picks up supplies from anyone in the Portland area willing to donate supplies. DM to connect. All cash donations to Cashapp: $blackunitypdx and Venmo @black-unitypdx will go to supplies
Don’t Shoot PDX and Fires Igniting The Spirit: provides emergency supplies to help Indigenous communities in Oregon and Washington most affecting by wildfires. Donations are accepted: Donate:
Paypal or Venmo @Fires-igniting-the-spirit. Please reach out to @baraksteady with questions.
Drop off locations:
5&Dime 6525 SE foster Rd Portland
(During business hours)
Evolution health Care and Fitness
905 SE Ankeny St during
(During business hours)
SYMBIOSIS
12-6 TODAY (Normally Tuesday, Thursday and 1st/ 3rd Sunday
400 SE 12th Ave Portland
Hoxton Hotel in Portland: offers a place to call home for the night to residents who have been displaced. Email hello.portland@thehox.com with proof of address.
Oregon Convention Center at 777 NE MLK JR Blvd: open temporarily for shelter for houseless people.
Washington:
United Way of Whitman County: provides emergency cash grants to those who lost their homes.
HousingSearchNW: helps locate temporary rentals or short-term leases.
Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council: provides resources to meet the critical needs, food and housing, of people impacted. Volunteer options are also available.
These locations in Whitman County are accepting donated supplies:
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