Contributing writer for The Canyon Weekly
Two years after wildfires ripped through the Santiam Canyon, the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund continues to provide relief to the hundreds of families needing help to recover and rebuild.
“As we reflect on 2022, I am extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish,” said Deana Freres, SCWRF Advisory Committee founding member and Santiam Canyon Long Term Recovery Group board member. “Up to date, we have successfully closed 198 households. These households have either returned home, rebuilt or relocated.”
As of December, 1,247 families have been served by the relief effort, with $4,362,112 funds donated and $3,266,639 funds disbursed.
“This would not be possible without the efforts of Santiam Hospital and Clinics Santiam Disaster Services staff, as well as the unwavering support of the community,” Freres said. “We are currently working with 164 households. There is still work to be done.”
According to SCWRF, community generosity is also behind its success in supporting other residents who were affected by Lionshead and Beachie Creek wildfires over Labor Day 2020. The locally managed, nonprofit organization raised funds to provide relief, support the recovery and clean up, and assist in the rebuilding of communities including Idanha, Breitenbush, Detroit, Niagara, Gates, Mill City, Lyons and Mehama.
The SCWRF Advisory Committee also created a business grant program in May for small businesses owned and operated within the fire area to help them rebuild and reopen.
“We continue to work with 38 renters and 126 homeowners, the need is great,” Freres said. “We have 10 Linn County households that will not have the means to complete their rebuild, and there is a shortage of funds available for Linn County.
“In order for them to progress forward in their rebuild, they will need additional funds from Oregon Housing and Community Services to be released or they will need further support from SCWRF.”
According to Freres, an additional $1.5 million is needed to help support Linn County rebuilds.
“We have another 116 households in the rebuilding process in Marion County,” she said. “It has been challenging to secure contractors, building materials have increased, unexpected expenses with power, well, etc., continue to occur for thesehouseholds. For the majority, insurance and FEMA support has been exhausted, and they have received SCWRF support via grants and direct survivor support dollars.
“SCWRF continues to partner with the LTRG partners around the unmet needs committee, one being Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency,” she added. “MWVCAA has Wildfire Recovery and Resilience Account funds and is able to help with several thousand dollars when the households are eligible.”
Freres reported these funds are beginning to dry up, and Santiam Canyon survivors who need gap funding for their rebuild will need to continue to wait for Community Development Block Grant funds from OHCS to be released in March 2023. CDBG funds are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD awarded $422 million in November of 2021 for CDBG Disaster Recovery funds for Oregon in response to the wildfires.
Wildfire victims can also receive local support from SCWRF as funds allow, Freres said.
“It’s wonderful seeing the Santiam Canyon communities come back to life again!” said Tass Morrison, member of the SCWRF Advisory Committee online.
Patty Thompson appreciates all SCWRF has done for herself and others whose lives were disrupted by “this major, life-changing event.”
“Thank you for watching out and taking care of us,” she posted on Facebook.
Michele Tesdal posted, “Thank you for your compassion and hard work. Generous people have helped so many families to rebuild. Our family will never forget this ever!”
SCWRF credited community supporters for the organization’s ability to help families and businesses through their wildfire recovery, posting “whether you’ve donated, volunteered or shared our cause, we are ever grateful for your generosity.”
“There is also a need for property cleanups and moving support,” Freres said. “If anyone wants to get involved, we are actively seeking volunteers.”
Volunteers can sign up at .
Donations can be made by sending a check to SCWRF, 1401 N. 10 th St., Stayton, OR 97383. For more information, email [email protected].
