sielicki, Author at VOAD Oregon

The Klamath and Lake Long-Term Recovery Group (KLLTRG) has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience for communities in Klamath and Lake counties affected by disasters. From devastating wildfires to extensive flooding, many residents face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives, often with limited resources and support. KLLTRG steps in to bridge these gaps, offering essential resources, guidance, and emotional support to those in need.

Founded in response to recurring natural disasters, KLLTRG is a Klamath-based nonprofit that focuses on helping community members recover and thrive long-term. Through a dedicated team led by Executive Director Michelle Crane, the organization provides streamlined access to vital resources, such as housing assistance, financial aid, and crisis counseling. Their mission is clear: to empower the community not only to recover but to become more resilient against future disasters.

“We’re geared toward disaster resilience,” said Crane, a driving force behind the organization’s success. “We want our community to thrive because if it’s not thriving, it’s not prepared.”

KLLTRG’s efforts extend beyond immediate relief. They work collaboratively with local agencies, businesses, and volunteers to create sustainable recovery programs that address both short-term and long-term needs. The group’s comprehensive approach ensures that each family or individual impacted by disaster is supported through every stage of the recovery process, from securing shelter to navigating the complex web of aid and support services.

The recent Copperfield Fire, which destroyed eight homes in Klamath County, is a stark reminder of the critical need for organizations like KLLTRG. Many affected residents, including community members like Brandon Fowler, faced the overwhelming challenge of losing their homes and navigating the aftermath. Fowler expressed gratitude for KLLTRG’s support, emphasizing the importance of community-based recovery. “This is a tremendous organization that is local for Klamath and Lake County,” Fowler noted. “They are wonderful people whose primary focus is helping those in our community affected by disasters.”

Since its inception, KLLTRG has supported over 18 households, ensuring that each family has access to shelter and support during their rebuilding journey. Crane’s vision is to see KLLTRG grow in both scope and reach, allowing them to assist more families and strengthen the community’s resilience to future challenges.

KLLTRG encourages community members to stay informed about their efforts and spread the word about their services. “The more people know about KLLTRG,” Crane says, “the more support and readily available resources our nonprofit and community will have.”

As KLLTRG continues to champion recovery and resilience across Klamath and Lake counties, they invite local residents to get involved, support their mission, and be a part of a collective journey toward a stronger, more prepared community. For more information on KLLTRG’s work and how to support them, visit their website at KLLTRG.org.

Public hearings scheduled for Oct. 22-24, 29-30

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has published a draft Action Plan Amendment for a $422 million disaster recovery grant and is seeking public input on the changes. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) is administered through a suite of programs, also known as “ReOregon,” that support individuals, households, and communities as they continue to recover from the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds.

OHCS is seeking public comment on the draft Action Plan Amendment, which reallocates program funds to create additional opportunities for renters and expands recovery options for Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program applicants. A short summary of the key elements of the plan and the entire draft Action Plan Amendment is available for review on OHCS’ website at https://re.oregon.gov.

“We know those who are of low incomes were disproportionately impacted by the 2020 Labor Day Disasters,” said OHCS Deputy Director Caleb Yant. “These proposed program changes will create new programs to provide more resources for renters and homeowners such as rental and down payment assistance, and counseling services.”

Members of the public are invited to provide their input on the draft Action Plan Amendment through a 30-day comment period, during which OHCS will seek input through public hearings, online form, email, mail, or telephone. The hearings will include a short presentation by OHCS officials, followed by public feedback. Printed copies of the plan will be available by request.

The public hearing schedule is as follows:

Phoenix Plaza Civic Center
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Wednesday, Oct. 23, in Spanish
Door: 5:30 p.m.
Public hearing: 6 p.m.
Conference Room
220 N. Main St., Phoenix

McKenzie High School
Thursday, Oct. 24
Door: 5:30 p.m.
Public hearing: 6 p.m.
Old Gym
51887 Blue River Drive, Vida

Gates Community Christ Church
Monday, Oct. 28
Door: 5:30 p.m.
Public hearing: 6 p.m.
Sanctuary
40070 Gates School Road, Gates

North County Center
Tuesday, Oct. 29
Door: 5:30 p.m.
Public hearing: 6 p.m.
Community Room 108
3788 SE High School Drive, Lincoln City

For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual hearing on Zoom will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30. Please register to attend.

“We strongly encourage members of the public, especially direct survivors of the wildfires, to provide their input on how these program changes may affect their recovery,” said Neil Barrett, external affairs officer for Disaster Recovery and Resilience at OHCS. “The most effective policies are the ones informed by those with lived experience.”

All of the information presented at the public hearings will be available on the ReOregon website at re.oregon.gov. Spanish translation services will be available at all of the public hearings. Please email hcs_housinginfo@oregon.gov if you need special accommodations.

In addition to providing comment at the hearings, the public will be able to do so by:

E-mail: hcs_housinginfo@oregon.gov
Online form:
- English: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/595b3469a058469e9b296542f3b7251e
- Spanish: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/db5e76cc2e8947c1a73eeb3114eff277
Phone: 877-510-6800
Mail: OHCS, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite B, Salem, OR 97301-1266

All comments must be submitted to OHCS no later than 11:59 p.m. Nov. 8, 2024.

After the 30-day public comment period, feedback will be incorporated into the plan before OHCS submits it to HUD for review and approval, which can take up to 45 days. As required by HUD, OHCS will address all comments received.

To learn more about ReOregon programs, visit re.oregon.gov or sign up to receive e-mail notifications.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)  OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs. 

In the small town of Shady Cove, nestled along the banks of the Rogue River, residents had grown accustomed to the clear, rushing waters that flowed through their community. But recently, that sense of security was shattered by a prolonged water shortage that left many households scrambling for basic necessities.

As the situation became more dire, RV COAD—Rogue Valley Community Organizations Active in Disaster—stepped in to help, activating a network of member agencies to deliver aid where it was needed most. With urgency and coordination, a response team was formed, including the Jackson County Long Term Recovery Group (JCC LTRG), ACCESS, Rogue Food Unites, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart. Their mission: to provide essential emergency supplies and ensure no family was left without water.

Within hours, pallets of emergency drinking water began arriving at Jackson County Fire District 4 Station. ACCESS, Rogue Food Unites, and Lowe’s worked tirelessly to get the water delivered, unloading cases and stacking them high in the station’s yard. At the same time, The Home Depot generously donated 100 buckets and lids for water storage, and Walmart sent cases of hand sanitizer and sanitary wipes—crucial items as families struggled to maintain basic hygiene.

Community members came to the Fire District 4 headquarters at 21200 Highway 62, where volunteers directed the distribution efforts. Residents arrived with empty containers, grateful for the chance to fill them with the precious water that had become a lifeline. Day after day, the station bustled with activity, as townspeople lined up from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., picking up bottled and bulk drinking water to carry home.

Meanwhile, the local water service provider, NW Natural Water Co., worked around the clock to restore the town’s water supply. By Thursday evening, a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon, as the company announced its intent to have water service restored to all customers by mid-day Friday. Yet, until the taps ran freely again, RV COAD and its partners remained committed to meeting the needs of Shady Cove, prepared to extend their support as long as necessary.

In a town where neighbors had always relied on one another, the water crisis only deepened that bond. The response from RV COAD and the swift coordination of member agencies underscored the power of community resilience and the importance of being prepared for emergencies. As the sun set each evening, casting a golden light over the hills, there was a quiet determination among the volunteers and residents—a shared belief that together, they would see this crisis through.

For more information about RV COAD and ways to support efforts like this in the future, visit www.rvcoad.org.

#NationalPreparednessMonth #CommunityResilience #RVCOAD #EmergencyResponse #BePrepared #StrongerTogether #ThankYou #ShadyCove #CommunitySupport

211info is gathering details about winter and severe weather shelters, warming centers, and donation sites across Oregon and Southwest Washington. This includes locations that will be open throughout the winter season or during severe weather events when certain temperature thresholds are met. They are also collecting information on sites accepting winter weather donations.

If you manage a winter shelter, warming center, or donation site, please fill out 211info’s form: Winter Shelter and Warming Center Information Form. Your input helps ensure that community members have access to accurate, updated information this winter.

If you have any questions or prefer to update your record by phone or email, please contact 211info’s Resource Department, Monday-Friday, 8 AM-6 PM, at 503-416-2698 or support@211info.org.

Partnerships are at the heart of everything we do at Clackamas County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (CCVOAD).

By working together with community organizations, local agencies, and dedicated volunteers, we’re able to communicate, coordinate, collaborate, and cooperate effectively, ensuring that resources reach those who need them most during times of crisis. Our collective efforts help fill gaps and provide crucial support to individuals and families impacted by disasters in Clackamas County. Together, we’re stronger and more capable of making a real difference when it matters most.

St. Vincent de Paul of Portland

A volunteer-driven partnership of lay Catholics with a mission to serve anyone who comes to them in need, regardless of background or beliefs. They embrace their community by stabilizing households through preventing evictions, maintaining utilities, and providing emergency food to those who are struggling. CCVOAD is thrilled about the prospect of working together in the future!

Living Island Nonprofit

Living Islands is a Cultural and Educational Network Organization supporting strong Micronesian communities everywhere, by celebrating and advocating for the diverse and unique cultures of the Micronesian people. We welcome them and are looking forward to a successful partnership together!

Estacada Area Food Bank

The Estacada Area Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the communities of Estacada, Eagle Creek, Barton, Damascus, Carver, and Colton. Their mission is to provide healthy food and other essentials for the communities they serve. We are excited to collaborate with them in their efforts to serve Clackamas County!

Cascades NW Chapter Red Cross

We are grateful for our partnership with the local Red Cross serving Clackamas County. The American Red Cross serves communities all over world with the mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Each disaster is different, but their mission is to adapt their resources to the needs of the people they serve. We are looking forward to continuing our efforts with them in the future!

ELCA- Lutheran Disaster Response

Lutheran Disaster Response collaborates with other disaster response organizations and religious entities in the United States and around the world. As an organization, they recognize that every disaster is local. Because of this, they believe every response needs to be rooted in the community; their goal is to work to accompany that community from immediate relief through long-term recovery. As CCVOAD we share similar values, and this is why we are thrilled to come into partnership with ELCA- Lutheran Disaster Response!

Oregon Department of Human Resources(ODHS) Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM)

While law enforcement handles the immediate evacuation of people, the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) works with local communities to help identify people who need evacuation assistance and ensure people are evacuated to a location that meets their needs. We are grateful for our state partnership that will help ensure quality and effective collaboration to get the help when our communities need when affected by disaster!

Mennonite Disaster Service:

Mennonite Disaster Service recruits, organizes and empowers volunteers to repair and rebuild the homes of those impacted by disasters with the goal of restoring hope for survivors and bring them home. CCVOAD and MDS have worked together in the past in long term recovery from previous wildfires and we are delighted to continue our partnership moving forward!

211info Oregon

211info is a private, community-based nonprofit organization funded by state and municipal contracts, foundations, donations, and community partners in Oregon and Southwest Washington. 211info Emergency Management Team works closely with local, state, and regional emergency management organizations to provide a coordinated, cohesive response to statewide emergencies. We are pleased to partner with such a valuable resource for out state and county!

Partnerships Matter

Expanding our network of partners is essential for establishing a solid foundation of local organizations committed to their communities. To become a CCVOAD partner, follow the link: Partner with Us. Contact Barb Edwards, CCVOAD Disaster Management Coordinator, for questions regarding partnerships or programs at barbedwards@ccvoad.org.

Impacts, Findings, and Lessons Learned

Experiencing a single disaster – a hurricane, tornado, flood, severe winter storm, or a global pandemic – can wreak havoc on the lives and livelihoods of individuals, families, communities and entire regions. For many people who live in communities in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico region, the reality of disaster is starker. Endemic socioeconomic and health disparities have made many living in Gulf of Mexico communities particularly vulnerable to the effects of weather-climate hazards. Prolonged disaster recovery and increasing disaster risk is an enduring reality for many living in Gulf of Mexico communities. Between 2020 and 2021, seven major hurricanes and a severe winter storm affected communities across the region. As a backdrop to these acute weather events, the global COVID-19 pandemic was unfolding, producing a complex and unprecedented public health and socioeconomic crisis.

Traditionally, the impacts of disasters are quantified individually and often in economic terms of property damage and loss. In this case, each of these major events occurring in the Gulf of Mexico during this time period subsequently earned the moniker of “billion-dollar” disaster. However, this characterization does not reflect the non-financial human toll and disparate effects caused by multiple disruptive events that increase underlying physical and social vulnerabilities, reduce adaptive capacities and ultimately make communities more sensitive to the effects of future disruptive events.

This report explores the interconnections, impacts, and lessons learned of compounding disasters that impair resilience, response, and recovery efforts. While Compounding Disasters in Gulf Coast Communities, 2020-2021 focuses on the Gulf of Mexico region, its findings apply to any region that has similar vulnerabilities and that is frequently at risk for disasters.

Contributor(s): National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Gulf Research Program; Gulf Health and Resilience Board; Committee on Compounding Disasters in Gulf Coast Communities, 2020-2021: Impacts, Findings, and Lessons Learned

This event is a significant milestone for the KLLTRG with a combined mission to be a beacon of hope and support for disaster-affected individuals on their journey to recovery, while uniting diverse community organizations for effective disaster response in Klamath & Lake Counties through multi-agency coordination for rapid operational management, preparedness, response, and recovery. The funds raised will directly contribute to ongoing efforts to provide essential services through our COAD and resources to individuals and families on their journey to recovery within our LTRG. Join community partners for an evening filled with inspiring stories, engaging activities, and opportunities to connect with fellow community members who share our commitment to making a positive impact.

More information…

The Lowe’s Reconstruction Grant Program is made possible through a generous donation from Lowe’s and is designed for reconstruction material supplies and ongoing response projects across the U.S. & territories.

AWARD AMOUNT
Award amounts will range from $15,000 to $25,000 in Lowe’s e-gift cards. Overhead amounts of 14% will be disbursed in cash

SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Applications eligible for consideration must be submitted by September 17, 2024.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?
All National VOAD members, including State/Territory VOADs and National Members (National & Associate), who are providing reconstruction services in recovery areas where Lowe’s stores are accessible. Grant awards are designated to provide material supplies needed to rebuild housing for disaster affected clients. Materials requested must be available at local Lowe’s stores.

Lowe’s RFP Information

In partnership with the UPS Foundation, National VOAD is excited to offer a funding opportunity to current National Members actively engaged in Long Term Recovery across the U.S. & territories.

AWARD AMOUNT
Award amount: $5,000.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Due to a limited amount of funds we will close the application process once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?
All National VOAD members, including State/Territory VOADs and National Members (National & Associate), actively engaged in long term recovery programming.

UPS RFP Information

Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed September Preparedness Month in Oregon.

“I want to call out the extraordinary work of local and state leaders who made sure our state was prepared for this year’s unprecedented wildfire season,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “As firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fires burning across the state, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management effectively mobilized shelters, evacuation support, and identified the resources each community needed.”

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) will observe preparedness month by launching a new community-based initiative designed to help individuals and their communities prepare for emergencies and practice their skills as a group. The Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to individual and community resiliency.

The digital version of the kit is available at Oregon.gov/OEM and is offered in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Vietnamese, with American Sign Language videos coming soon.

“As director of OEM, it’s a top priority for me to help people living in Oregon be ready for disasters,” Erin McMahon, said. “The Be 2 Weeks Ready program helps foster a culture of preparedness within established community groups such as faith-based organizations, neighborhood associations, local 4-H clubs, schools, and workplaces.”

Preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that being two weeks ready doesn’t have to be expensive or happen all at once. There are a lot of effective and low-cost to no-cost actions your community can take today to be ready for tomorrow. You can find more details about these on FEMA’s preparedness site Ready.gov, but here are a few:

Visit ORAlert.gov to sign up to receive local emergency alerts or update your contact information

Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your mobile phone.

Understand Oregon’s evacuation levels and know the evacuation routes in your area.

Familiarize yourself with TripCheck.com.

Make go bags with survival essentials for every member of your family, including pets.

Store copies of important information or documents in a password-protected online drive or on a flash drive in a waterproof container in your go bag.

Also, look to your local leaders for additional tips on how your community is preparing. Connect with your local emergency management office, sheriff’s office, or Tribal police and follow them on social media to stay up to date during quickly changing emergencies.

When a disaster strikes, you are the help until help arrives. By working together, communities can enhance their collective resilience and ensure everyone is equipped to handle emergencies.

In addition to the Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit, people interested in helping their communities and deepening their basic disaster response skills can join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and learn from peers.

There are four types of CERT programs: Community, Workplace, Campus, Teen. Each program is supported by a sponsoring organization. A sponsoring organization can be any government agency, such as a fire department, emergency management agency or city council.

In the end, OEM wants to help people feel empowered, not frightened, when thinking about how they will respond in an emergency. The Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit and CERT programs can help individuals build meaningful connections with one another that will lead to better outcomes for everyone when disaster strikes.

More information:
OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov
503-934-3310

Klamath and Lake Long-Term Recovery Group: Building Resilience for Disaster Recovery

Partnerships Matter