As I look up at our smoke-filled skies, I am reminded of the devastating reality currently facing the Spokane community. The ongoing wildfires have displaced an estimated 65,000 residents and destroyed more than 800 residential and business properties.
Disasters and human misery do not respect geographic or political boundaries and, at the end of the day, we are all just people trying to help each other.
Tacoma is a big-hearted city, and right now, our neighbors to the east need our strength and compassion. We must do what we can to support Spokane during this crisis.
I have heard from many of you asking how you can help.
To ensure your contributions are as efficient and effective as possible, I encourage donating directly through the City of Spokane’s emergency relief fund.
As the City of Spokane has explained in its news release, the H.O.M.E. Starts Here fund traditionally supports individuals experiencing homelessness, but has been established with flexibility to respond to urgent needs during time of crisis. Donations made through the fund will be directed to wildfire relief efforts.
According to the City of Spokane, no administrative fees will be applied as part of the dispersal of these funds, and everything will stay 100% local with all funds and resources deployed directly to the Spokane community. 100% of the money you give goes directly toward essential services, which includes but is not limited to:
- Short- and long-term rent assistance
- Document recovery fees
- Furniture and basic household items such as cookware and linens
- Transportation
- Necessary personal medical equipment
- Diapers
- Formula
- Children’s clothing
- Back-to-school supplies
Tacoma community members who would like to help can make a secure online donation by visiting https://my.spokanecity.org/donate.
Please note the following guidance from the City of Spokane to ensure your contribution is safe:
For security purposes, those making donations will need to make an account with the City of Spokane before donating.
Thank you so much for caring, and please give what you can to help our neighbors begin the difficult road to recovery.