How to help those affected by the Spokane Area Fires

Residents all over the community have overwhelmingly shown a desire to help those displaced or affected by the fires. Here's how you can help: 

SPOKANE FIRE STATION 16

While our hearts break for those who lost their homes, we also express heartfelt gratitude for those fighting the fires, many of whom are on the wirelines for 12, 16 or 20 hours without food or other necessities. For those of you interested in supporting fire efforts, you can drop off items at Station 16, located at 5225 N Assembly. 

The list of suggested items include

• Socks
• Deodorant
• Chap stick
• Eye drops
• Electrolyte drinks or mix to put in water bottles
• Protein/granola bars
• Beef jerky
• Trail mix 
• Protein shakes
• Baby wipes
• Sun screen

They are things that could make their days easier in a time when it’s unimaginably hard. They too are losing their homes in this process. 

The Red Cross Northwest Region 

The Red Cross has set up a fund to support those affected by Washington wildfires. Find out more here. 

Partners Inland Northwest 

Partners is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 10814 E. Broadway Avenue in Spokane Valley providing support, food, clothing and diapers to those in need. Donations are encouraged. 

"Donations of nonperishable food, clothing, diapers, hygiene items, and financial gifts help us continue serving families affected by the fires and others in need throughout our community," Partners Inland Northwest said. 

Learn more on the Partners website. 

City of Spokane

The City of Spokane has launched a wildfire relief effort through its H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund to help individuals and families affected by the Spokane Area Fires. 

The fund, which typically supports people experiencing homelessness, has been temporarily designated to provide immediate assistance and recovery support for wildfire survivors. According to the city, every dollar donated will go directly toward wildfire relief efforts.

“Spokane has always stepped up when our neighbors need us most. The destruction caused by these wildfires is heartbreaking, but we also know the strength and resilience of our community. This fund gives people a simple and trusted way to help families as they begin the difficult road to recovery,” Mayor Lisa Brown said. 

Donations can be made through the City of Spokane's online donation portal. Donors will need to create an account before contributing.

Catholic Charities Eastern Washington

"The entire CCEW community offers its prayers and support to all who have been displaced or impacted by the devastating wildfires that have gripped our community. Many of our clients and residents have been affected. Over 600 structures, many of them family homes, have already been lost. That number will likely grow. Some of our own Catholic Charities staff have lost their homes as well.

Catholic Charities Eastern Washington has set up an emergency fund to help support the individuals, and families impacted by the Spokane Complex wildfires in our region. In this moment of great challenge, we need your help. Please consider making an investment in helping those in need during this crisis. Your donation will help our Emergency Response team provide essential items, housing, counseling, support and short/long term assistance to those impacted by this devastat fire. This is a moment where we are asking for our entire community to lean in with us during this very difficult moment."

You can donate through Catholic Charities Eastern Washington here. 

YMCA opens facilities for evacuees

The YMCA of the Inland Northwest is opening all local branches to evacuees who need showers or a temporary place to rest. A valid photo ID is required for access.

The following locations are participating:

• Central YMCA, 930 North Monroe Street
• North YMCA, 10727 North Newport Highway
• South YMCA, 2921 East 57th Avenue
• Valley YMCA, 2421 North Discovery Place

The facilities close at 8 p.m. Sunday and are open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Second Harvest

Second Harvest is accepting donations of non-perishable food items at their warehouse at 1234 East Front Avenue from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday.