2026 Wildfire Resources

Many members of the Whitworth community have experienced evacuation, property loss and other unexpected challenges as a result of the Spokane Complex Fires.

The following resources are available to employees and their families. Please use them if they are helpful.

For the most current information on evacuations, shelters, road closures and community resources, please visit the Spokane County Wildfire Information webpage:
https://www.spokanecounty.gov/ 

We continue to pray for the safety of first responders, for strength and comfort for those who have experienced loss, and for our community as we begin the work of recovery.

Animal Assistance

• Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana Street: Sheltering for evacuated animals
• Spokanimal, 710 N. Napa Street: Temporary boarding for displaced pets

Childcare

• Spokane Public Schools: Free emergency drop-in camp for children ages 4 and older at Shadle Park High School, Aug. 3–7, Monday–Friday, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
  
  The camp is open to families impacted by the wildfires, including those in the Spokane Public Schools, Mead School District and Nine Mile Falls School District service areas. Lunch is provided.
  https://www.spokaneschools.org 

Clothing Assistance

• Global Neighborhood Thrift, 919 E. Trent Ave.: Clothing vouchers for wildfire survivors
• Plato's Closet, 13004 E. Sprague Ave.: Free clothing for individuals impacted by the fires

Community Resources

• YMCA of the Inland Northwest: Free showers and daytime respite are available for individuals impacted by the Spokane Complex Fires. See the Spokane County Wildfire Information webpage for participating locations and current hours. https://www.spokanecounty.gov/ 

Emotional Wellness

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services are available at no cost to employees and their families. https://www.resourcesforliving.com/login?returnUrl=%2F.
  
  Services include:
  • Counseling
  • Emotional support
  • Family resources
  • Financial consultation
  • Legal consultation
  • Stress management

Evacuation Shelters

• Jenkins High School (Chewelah): Stevens County evacuation shelter
• Spokane Convention Center: Evacuation shelter, free parking, pets welcome
• Spokane County Fair & Expo Center: RV parking and animal sheltering
   

Financial Assistance (potential options)

• American Red Cross: Emergency financial assistance https://www.redcross.org/local/washington.html
• Catholic Charities Eastern Washington: Housing navigation, stabilization services and family support https://www.cceasternwa.org/
• SNAP: Housing, utility and financial assistance https://www.snapwa.org/ 

Food Assistance

• Salvation Army Spokane: https://spokane.salvationarmy.org/
• Second Harvest Inland Northwest: https://2-harvest.org/
• World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/ 

Home or Property Damage

If your home has been damaged or destroyed:

1. Document your losses.
2. Take photographs if it is safe to do so.
3. Contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible. Your homeowners or renters policy may provide assistance with evacuation-related expenses, depending on your coverage.

Spokane County Assessor: If your home was destroyed or substantially damaged, you may qualify for property tax relief by filing Washington Form 64-0117. https://www.spokanecounty.gov/5491/Assessor 

Recovery Resources

• After the Fire Washington: Recovery checklists and rebuilding resources for wildfire survivors https://afterthefireusa.org/
• Spokane Region Long-Term Recovery Group: Recovery coordination and support for individuals and families rebuilding after the fires https://srltrg.org/