How to help those affected by floods
Good afternoon. It's been a bonkers week of weather here in Cascadia, with flooding, windstorms, road washouts, and blizzards in the mountains. The good news is that the feds agreed to a disaster declaration. And governor Ferguson is going to put a request for $50 million in housing rebuilding and relief in next year's budget.
But let's be real for a moment. Neither the feds nor the state government can be relied upon to help meet the needs of the people of Cascadia. Ultimately, we're the ones who will take care of our neighbors and build resilient communities. That's what mutual aid is, and why it's critical to the movement for Cascadia autonomy.
Andrew Engelson
After the basement of my Seattle home was flooded under five feet of water in 2006, my neighbors came together to lend a hand in the dirty work of clearing out all the ruined and water-logged junk, and cleaning up the muddy mess. I was grateful and will never forget how my community came together.
So, how can you help your neighbors impacted by flooding? First and most important is making a financial contribution to groups providing assistance. It's the most efficient and most needed form of assistance.
Where to donate funds
It's a big, corporate-funding organization, but the Northwest region of the American Red Cross is doing tons of work to assist people throughout our region. Donate here.
In Whatcom county in the north Puget Sound region, the Whatcom Community Foundation provides direct assistance to flood victims. Donate here.
In Skagit county, where flooding was especially severe, the Skagit Disaster Relief Fund provides emergency relief, assistance with essential needs, and long term recovery. Donate here.
To support the Lummi Nation, whose lands are near the heavily flooded Nooksack River, donate to the Lhaq’temish Foundation.
In Abbotsford, British Columbia, which was hit by extreme floods in 2021 and again this year, the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund has been started up again. Donate here.
Please refrain from donating to the Salvation Army, which has a history of anti-LGBTQ messaging.
Mutual aid/volunteering
In south King County, Auburn and Pacific were especially hard hit. Auburn Mutual Aid, which focuses on supporting undocumented, QTBIPOC, low income, and disabled neighbors, is organizing relief efforts this weekend. For more info, visit their linktree or Instagram site. To volunteer, email auburnmutualaid@gmail.com and donate funds at their Venmo: @AuburnMutualAid.
In Whatcom County, Whatcom Strong is organizing relief efforts for flood victims. To find out more about volunteering and donating visit their website or check out recent post on their Facebook page.
In Skagit County, Skagit County Volunteer Network has a detailed list of a variety of upcoming volunteer opportunities to assist those impacted by floods.
Also in Skagit County, Family Promise is running a supplies drive, with requests for: twin bedding (new/gently used) blankets, sheets, pillowcases and pillows, coffee, tea, milk, non-perishable snacks, gallon-sized Ziploc bags, air mattresses and pumps (preferably electric), heavy-duty power strips, socks, hygiene items (such as tampons, pads, soap), and pet food. Drop off items at Central United Methodist Church at 1013 Polte Road, Sedro-Woolley.
Blood drives and food banks
Many people affected by floods had to cancel planned blood donations, so supplies are running low. Schedule an appointment to donate at Bloodworks Northwest.
Food banks will be in high demand in the next few weeks among flood victims.
To make a financial donation supporting food banks across Washington, visit Northwest Harvest.
In Oregon, visit Oregon Food Bank.
In British Columbia, visit Food Banks BC.
Thanks for helping out. Have a good weekend. --Andrew
