Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
By Stephen Floyd
Santiam Canyon residents impacted by recent wildfires now have a single website they can turn to for information about efforts to rebuild their homes and communities.
Santiam Canyon Long-Term Recovery Group (SCLTRC) has launched www.santiamrecovery.org to connect survivors and volunteers with community partners offering guidance and resources.
SCLTRC Recovery Manager Kevin Dial said his team has been inspired by the progress local communities have already made, though there are still more opportunities for support.
“Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint and there is much work still to be done,” said Dial.
The Santiam Canyon was devastated in 2020 by a series of wildfires that burned 400,000 acres. Thousands of residents were evacuated and the cities of Detroit and Gates were nearly destroyed, while other Santiam cities suffered heavy damage.
SCLTRC was incorporated in 2021 to help lead recovery efforts. They’re backed by a coalition of non-profit, faith-based and government relief groups including United Way Mid-Willamette Valley, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, Salvation Army, Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund, Santiam Hospital Service Integration, Knights of Columbus, Stayton Area Rotary, Marion County and FEMA.
SCLTRC said millions of federal dollars have been secured for relief efforts with assistance from the Oregon Governor’s Office and the Marion County Board of Commissioner’s Office. These funds join the resources collected by community partners.
The new website connects residents with services including disaster case management, fire cleanup, building permitting, and opportunities to volunteer with their group. SCLTRC Director Deana Freres said their volunteers are a wealth of knowledge and a vital resource.
“Those involved in this effort are truly preservers of hope for disaster survivors,” she said.
For additional information on available services, email [email protected], or call 503-897-0701.
