Spokane Wildfires: Resources and Ways to Help

On behalf of all of us at WHCA, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation and concern for all those who are being impacted by the devastating wildfires in Spokane this week. We know many of our member facilities, as well as thousands of other Spokane residents, are dealing with extraordinary challenges and uncertainty.

We would like to thank the facility administrators and staff who are working tirelessly to ensure their residents are being cared for safely and compassionately, especially those who are dealing with evacuating their residents to temporary settings. Your commitment during such difficult circumstances is a reminder of how remarkable long-term care professionals are.

We hope that conditions improve quickly, and WHCA urges our members to reach out if there is any way we can offer support at this time. If we can help remove barriers, engage with state partners, or connect you with resources you need, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Elena Madrid
Executive VP for Education and Regulatory Affairs
Direct: 360.352.3305
[email protected]

Additional Resources for Employers

The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce has posted a Spokane Wildfire Employee Resource Guide that businesses are encouraged to share with employees.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Resilience Hub has resources for employers.

How to Help

If you are outside of Spokane and are looking for ways to provide support to those who are affected, Greater Spokane Inc. and the City of Spokane have posted resources and ways to help those impacted by the wildfires:

• The Innovia Foundation has opened the Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund. Donations to the fund will support nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community organizations working to meet the needs of those impacted.
• The City of Spokane H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund is accepting donations to support individuals and families affected by the ongoing wildfires.
• Catholic Charities Eastern Washington has set up an emergency fund to help support individuals and families.
• Spokanimal is accepting donations of dog, cat, kitten & puppy food, and blankets and towels. They are also seeking foster homes for animals displaced by the fires. Humane Evacuation Animal Rescue Team (HEART) is collecting monetary donations to help animals affected.

Resources for employers and employees: The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce has posted a Spokane Wildfire Employee Resource Guide that businesses are encouraged to share with employees. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Resilience Hub has resources for employers.