Oregon Wildfire Relief: How You Can Help

Photo Credit: Philip Roberti, 2020

With more than 1 million acres burned, Oregonians everywhere are worrying and grieving, but more than that, they are seeking to give back. We’ve had so many people asking “how can I help?” – so we compiled a list of organizations that are currently taking donations and/or volunteers to aide in wildfire relief. Thank you for your continued generosity and compassion toward your community, we will get through this together!

The American Red Cross
With so many Oregonians currently displaced due to fire evacuations, the Red Cross is operating several shelters throughout the state, including in Multnomah County. These shelters and emergency relief often depend upon the generosity of our communities, either by the donation of time or funds, both of which the American Red Cross is currently accepting.

Currently the Red Cross is in urgent need for Shelter Service Associates and Shelter Supervisors, as well as blood donations – if you are able to volunteer and donate blood, please do so!

If you are interested in volunteering or donating blood, you can sign up for training by calling 1-800-Red Cross or visiting their website here. You can also donate directly to disaster relief here.

Oregon Food Bank
The Oregon Food Bank is working hard to connect communities with water, food and other critical supplies, focusing on providing support to local families, farmers and first responders who have been impacted by the wildfires. You can support local wildlife relief through monetary donations, as well as providing much-needed supplies.

Visit the Oregon Food Bank website here to make a donation, or contact a food bank near you for a list of urgent or critically needed items.

Ark Animal Care
Located in Stayton, OR, Ark Animal Care has been working with many animals that have been burned or injured in these fires – from a sweetheart named “Evil Kinevil” who is being treated for third-degree burns on his paws, to kitties Daisy and Gamble who have both lost the tips of their ears, among other injuries.

Ark Animal Care has been collecting donations and distributing to those in-need in their community, even coming together to hold a Community Outreach Day on September 17 to help those who lost their homes in the fire, as well as first responders, offering free veterinary services to their four-legged family members.

You can learn more about Ark Animal Care and how you can donate to the treatment of burn survivors and community members impacted by the fires by visiting their Facebook Page or contacting them by phone (503.767.2755) or email (arkanimalteam@gmail.com).

One Tail at a Time- Portland (OTAT PDX)
We are proud to support the mission and vision of OTAT PDX whenever we can! Unfortunately the ripple effect of the Oregon fires could be felt at this local dog rescue as well, even though the majority of the animals in their care weren’t directly displaced. A large air transport rescuing 30+ dogs from various parts of Texas was set to fly in on 9/14, but with all the smoke creating poor visibility the pilot understandably was unable to get them here. Not about to give up on dogs who were promised their chance, OTAT PDX quickly pivoted and rented a van to drive to the nearest airport where the pilot could safely land – Boise, ID – incurring a lot of unexpected expenses in order to keep their word.

You can donate to OTAT PDX through financial contributions, signing up to be a foster, and donating much-needed items from their Wish-List. Learn more about how to donate and get involved with OTAT PDX by visiting their website for more information.

Animal Sanctuaries & Rescues
There are local animal sanctuaries and rescues that have had to relocate chickens, cows, pigs, donkeys, horses and other others as fires grew closer to their fields and facilities. These sanctuaries, like Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary and Green Acres Farm Sanctuary, will be seeking volunteers to help transport animals back to their facilities once evacuation orders have been lifted. They will also be looking for volunteers to help clean ashes and fire debris from their sites.

If you would like to provide a monetary donation or volunteer to help with transport and clean-up, you can visit Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary here and Green Acres Farm Sanctuary here to get more information.

You can also get a wish list of much needed supplies – such as wheelbarrows and gift cards to Wilco and Petco – on Amazon.

We are all in this together.
The past six months have been full of ups and downs that have changed the way we do things – from how we buy and sell homes to how we send our kids to school; but, even in the middle of a pandemic, it’s awesome to see that our friends, clients and community always are seeking ways to give back and help their neighbors.

One of the simplest ways to make a difference is to check on your neighbors, help run errands for those who may be unable to do so for themselves, and be there for loved ones who may have lost their homes, property or belongings.

If you are looking for more organizations that may need volunteers or donations during this time, Multnomah County has provided a list of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster this is available here.

We are here for you, our neighbors, clients, friends and family – so if there is anything we can do to help you find needed resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out.