How Generous Donations are Impacting Northwest Fire Survivors
More than 800 families were left without homes following the fires this summer in the Spokane area.
By Isaac Meythaler,
UCC Communications Coordinator
Updated September 16, 2026
More than 800 families were left without homes following the fires this summer in the Spokane area. Other fires throughout the Northwest have left entire communities devastated. However, through generous donations, Upper Columbia Conference Adventist Community Services has raised more than $130,000 to assist these communities in their time of need.
Throughout the conference, local churches responded to immediate needs in their communities by giving out cleaning supplies, helping clear rubble and operating a distribution center in Spokane.
In Chelan, Washington, the local church has provided $3,000 in Walmart cards to be distributed to families affected by the Chelan Hills fire. In Nespelem, Washington, ACS has distributed more than $3,000 in gas vouchers, easing the cost of commuting for those impacted.
The Chelan High School shop class is building five storage sheds to be given to families who lost their homes in the fire. The Omak High School shop class is building one shed and Pathfinder clubs in Brewster are building two storage sheds per club. Materials for all 10 of these sheds are paid for by ACS.
In Spokane, Disaster Assistance Center, located at Shadle Park High School, brought together agencies and organizations in one location to make it easier for fire survivors to access assistance and get answers to their questions. Adventist volunteers served daily at DAC from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to help fire-impacted residents find food, shelter, medical care, financial help and other fire recovery resources.
In addition to these on-the-ground projects, ACS has taken responsibility for managing a warehouse and distribution center in Spokane. More than 200 volunteers have donated more than 2,500 hours to this operation.
Beginning on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, the donation distribution center was open 12 hours a day, receiving donations, sorting and distributing resources to those affected by fires. Hundreds of families have been served by cheerful volunteers. Families found cleaning supplies, diapers, food, school supplies, cookware and bedding — all donated by corporations and community members to aid families building back from ashes.
As families find more permanent housing and begin the long road to recovery, ACS is looking ahead to find additional opportunities to serve.
This work is vital but long and often unseen. Richie Brower, UCC director of community engagement, recently stated, “We’re going to pause, consult with our community partners and evaluate the places where the UCC family can make the greatest impact moving forward.”
Continued financial support is appreciated, as recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. ACS is ensuring that relief efforts are truly effective and will continue to support fire survivors long after initial media coverage fades.
For additional information on how ACS is responding, or to sign up for future volunteer opportunities, see uccsda.org/acs. You can also donate today at news.uccsda.org/fireoffering826.
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