HomeWildfire Relief Hub

Worried that asking for help could cause other problems? See Get Help.

Verified Ways to Help

Established organizations working the Inland Northwest response. Give through their own pages. Each link goes straight to the organization.

Scam warning: disasters attract fraud. Never wire money, send gift cards, or pay upfront for "debris removal" or "insurance help" from anyone who contacts you unsolicited. Donate only through an organization's own official website, typed in yourself.

Give wisely

Federal guidance on how to help in a way that actually helps.

  • Cash is usually more effective than items

    Trusted relief organizations can buy exactly what is needed, often in bulk and from local businesses, which also supports the local economy. Sending physical items without coordinating first can overwhelm communities already stretched thin.

  • Do not self-deploy

    Showing up in the disaster area without coordinating through a trusted organization first can burden responders and put you at risk. Organizations know where help is actually needed, and they can provide proper training and support.

  • Need continues long after the news does

    Recovery from a disaster like this can take months or years. Organizations often need volunteers and donations well after the fires stop making headlines, not just right now.

  • Want more options than this page lists?

    National VOAD (National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) keeps a broader directory of trusted relief organizations.

    Browse National VOAD

  • Questions this page does not answer

    FEMA itself does not directly accept volunteers or donations, but its Voluntary Agency Liaisons can help connect you with organizations that do. Email Donations@fema.dhs.gov.

Source: FEMA: Volunteer and Donate

Organizations

Showing 7 of 7 organizations.

  • American Red Cross

    Shelters, emergency lodging, health services

    Needs now: Financial donations, blood donations, trained disaster volunteers

    Donate or volunteer

  • City of Spokane: H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund

    Direct housing assistance for displaced Spokane residents

    Needs now: Financial donations for emergency housing and rehousing support

    Donate

  • Innovia Foundation: Spokane Wildfire Recovery Fund

    Regional grantmaking to Inland Northwest recovery nonprofits

    Needs now: Financial donations pooled for long-term recovery grants

    Donate

  • Catholic Charities Eastern Washington

    Housing, case management, and family emergency assistance

    Needs now: Financial donations, household goods, case-management volunteers

    Donate or volunteer

  • Second Harvest Inland Northwest

    Food distribution across Eastern WA and North Idaho

    Needs now: Financial donations (stretches further than food drives), warehouse volunteers

    Donate or volunteer

  • SpokAnimal

    Displaced pets: sheltering, fostering, reunification

    Needs now: Foster homes, crates, pet food, financial donations

    Foster or donate

  • Volunteer Spokane (United Way)

    Matching volunteers to vetted local response needs

    Needs now: Sign-ups for staffed shelter shifts, donation sorting, and cleanup crews

    Volunteer