With Oregon having experienced a slew of unbearable natural disasters this past year, ranging from the Rowena Fire in Wasco County to severe flooding across several counties, the spotlight has been thrust upon local nonprofit organizations. These entities have emerged as unsung heroes in the disaster recovery process. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) paid tribute to its relentless efforts on National Nonprofit Day, celebrated last Sunday, shedding light on the vital role these groups play in supporting crisis-stricken communities, according to the State of Oregon.
OEM has been instrumental in the coordination with Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COADs), which includes nonprofits, businesses, faith-based groups, and other key players, to bolster emergency preparedness and response. This unity is designed to bolster a community's ability to efficiently address catastrophes. However, while the State Community Resilience Coalition (SCRC) Grant Program was initiated to support these efforts, currently, no funding has been earmarked for the new biennium. The initial round of funding amounted to $300,000 distributed among 10 organizations focused on emergency management, as reported by the State of Oregon.
In the small community of Wasco County, over 3,000 acres were charred by the Rowena Fire, which also claimed over 60 homes. Following the debris removal by the Debris Management Task Force, Northwest Baptist Disaster Relief has extended a helping hand, contributing nearly 1,000 labor hours valued at approximately $31,849, to support the personal recovery efforts of the fire victims. Adding to these endeavors, the United Way of the Columbia Gorge has established the Rowena Fire Relief Recovery Fund, aiding in sustained recovery through housing and food assistance, alongside the Multi-Agency Resource Centers, which offer additional aid to survivors.
Flooding in Harney County prompted over a thousand residents to evacuate and wrought havoc on the local infrastructure. Nonprofits like Harney Hub and the Harney County Long Term Recovery Group stepped up, managing the accommodations for temporary housing and advocating for structural repairs essential for community rebuilding. Similarly, in Southern Oregon, nonprofits have been filling in funding gaps for recovery amid federal disaster declaration deliberations, as seen in Glide Revitalization's diligent efforts in Douglas County. OEM's Whole Community approach places these nonprofit organizations and COADs at the cornerstone of disaster recovery, ensuring all sectors collaborate for a more effective and equitable revitalization of the afflicted areas, the Oregon newsroom underlines.
