After extensive rain caused devastating flooding in Western Washington this month, Seattleites are looking for ways to help. Government assistance is on its way—Governor Bob Ferguson announced on Tuesday, December 16 that he is directing $3.5 million in emergency funds to assist Washingtonians with relief and recovery. This will allow state assistance programs to more quickly provide emergency support across 14 counties that were impacted by the flooding. But there are things individuals can do to help out as well.
If you’re looking for assistance for yourself or you’re looking for ways that you can donate and help, check out our resource guide below.
Relief Organizations and Donation Options
- American Red Cross: Operating emergency shelters in affected areas and assisting evacuees. You can support their efforts with financial contributions online. Donate here.
- Community Foundation of Snohomish County: Providing rapid-response funding to local nonprofits serving flood-impacted communities. Monetary gifts help sustain these efforts. Donate here.
- United Way Affiliates: Multiple local United Way chapters are activating disaster relief programs to help with food, shelter, and recovery services across counties. You can donate to United Way of Skagit County and United Way of Pierce County.
- WA State Combined Fund Drive: You can donate online to this combined state flooding relief fund.
Local Community Relief Funds
- Skagit Disaster Relief: The Skagit Community Foundation has set up a dedicated relief fund for residents’ urgent needs such as food and housing support.
- Whatcom Community Foundation: Supporting Hills flood victims with grants and emergency resources to families and nonprofits in need. Info here.
- State Flood Relief Fund: A combined Washington state relief fund was established to accept public donations to assist recovery efforts.
In-Kind Support & Supplies
- Family Promise of Skagit: Operating emergency shelter support and seeking donations of essentials like paper products, cleaning supplies, and more. Find info about donations here.
Animal Support Efforts
- Skagit County Animal Control is accepting contributions for pet food and livestock feed. The distribution site is at 13421 Farm to Market Road in Mount Vernon.
- Evergreen State Fair Park is providing temporary animal stabling in Monroe and is collecting bedding and other supplies for animals in need. They’re asking for dog food, cat food, and farm animal feed in particular.
Additional Resources to Get Aid or Volunteer
- Washington 211: Calling or visiting WA-211.org connects you to updated listings of emergency services, shelters, food support, medical help, and volunteer opportunities.
- DSHS Disaster Cash Assistance: Eligible families can apply for emergency financial help for basic needs such as shelter and food. (Application details may vary by county and deadlines may apply.)
Community-Led Drives & Events
Local community groups and nonprofits are organizing donation drives for items like blankets, warm clothing, hygiene products, and gifts for families; volunteers are also coordinating cleanup and support activities in impacted towns. Examples of drives include “Stuff the Bus” donation events in Snohomish County and muck-out volunteer efforts in Everson, Sumas, and other areas.
For even more resources, you can see this roundup of state and federal resources or visit this webpage that has links to flood resources and lots of resources for renters and homeowners as well as financial assistance, insurance information, and food assistance.