[Last updated July 28, 20206 12:45 pm]

If there is one thing I have learned in the last few days is in the absence of perceived leadership to support immediate needs during wildfire response and recovery, community will rise and the fill the gap in ways that are effective, coordinated, and messy all at once. Another truth is that folks with power, privilege, and safety are struggling to navigate their support in a time when a deep sense of helplessness feels like the norm.

The Bench and Beachcomb fires have combined on the Warm Springs Reservation, wreaking havoc with more than 50,000 acres burning and 6 homes burned down so far. Opportunities for support seem to spring up every few hours, and it’s hard not to feel like you are just spamming mutual aid donation opportunities out into the world and hoping for the best.

Since I work in Warm Springs and am connected to many of the folks who are doing on-the-ground support or who have family and friends directly impacted, my phone has been blowing up with care, concern, and a desire to help. While I cannot speak for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, reservation-based nonprofits like my employer WSCAT, or even community members, what I can do is create a space where all of the mutual aid monetary and donation requests are as an ongoing resource. My goal is to amplify the work already being done by community, for community, in community.

My two cents, and these are my views only… direct monetary donations are the single most effective way to support folks in crises. In a time when there is so much out of their control, having agency and choice on how to spend their recovery dollars is a small way to bring control back to their lives.

DIRECT MONETARY DONATIONS TO FAMILIES WHO HAVE LOST THEIR HOMES

There are additional families who lost homes, but they have not been identified yet. Please consider saving some of your donation money as those folks move from survival and safety to recovery. We know many community members have property that was impacted by the fire. My goal is to uplift direct donation links for families who have confirmed their homes were lost in the fire.

DIRECT MONETARY DONATIONS TO THE OFFICIAL DONATION ACCOUNT FOR THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF WARM SPRINGS

<<CTWS DONATION LINK>>

“The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (CTWS) sincerely appreciates the generosity and support of community members, neighboring tribes, organizations, and partners during this challenging time. Every contribution—whether through donations or volunteer service—helps strengthen the response and recovery efforts for those affected by the fires.

The 30th Tribal Council sends prayers to the community, people, and our Nation of Warm Springs. Their thoughts are especially with the families who have lost their homes. The Tribal Council will continue to work closely with emergency responders, Incident Command, and or local, state, and federal partners to navigate this crisis together and protect lives, property, and lands.

We welcome donations to assist individuals and families impacted by the Bench Fire and Beachcomb Fire to meet immediate needs, and financial contributions to help us rebuild what was lost. We ask that you coordinate donations and volunteer assistance through designated Tribal contacts.

Donations may include:

  • Financial contributions – use this page to donate right away
  • Non-perishable food items
  • Bottled water

To coordinate donation drop offs, please contact:

To coordinate financial contributions from other governments or corporations, please contact:

If you want to volunteer please contact: 

Stay informed: 

DIRECT MONETARY DONATIONS TO COMMUNITY-LED EMERGENCY FUNDING

The Warm Springs Fire Relief Fund is a community-led emergency fund providing direct assistance to those most impacted. Donations help meet immediate needs, including temporary lodging, food, fuel, clothing, medications, and other essential expenses. This fund has been providing deep levels of transparency and has been very effective at getting money into the community while the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs gets set up.

Any funds not claimed by the time the fire is out will be evenly distributed directly the six families who lost their homes or given directly to the Tribe.

MUTUAL AID DONATIONS

This drive is being spearheaded by the community and directs donations to the Commodities program at the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs for distribution, both at their evacuation site and through the Commodities program. Full disclosure, I set up the drop off at The Haven Co-working after reaching out to the organizer to see if it would be helpful since I already commute to Warm Springs between one to three times a week. I also know the organizer personally.

Current donation requests include:

  • Water in gallon jugs
  • Comfort food and snacks that do not require cooking or refrigeration
  • Gift cards to support hotel stays and other costs, especially Visa or Mastercard gift cards
  • Childcare supplies, including diapers and wipes in all sizes, wipes
  • Personal hygiene kits, including adult diapers for all genders
  • Pet supplies, including carriers
  • Basic medical supplies
  • Box fans and filters
  • Blankets

In solidarity,

LeeAnn

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Published by Allyship in Action

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