Southern Oregon Wildfire Resources, Relief, and Information
Greetings friends,
We stand together with despair for the wildfire damage that has been done to our Southern Oregon communities in the last few days. We send out heart-felt sympathies to those who have lost their homes, businesses, and so much more.
The Vesper Meadow Education Program was established with the vision of creating a proactive community that drives land stewardship and restoration of the human-land connection. During this time of climate change and natural disaster, I can't think of any other work I would rather be doing. Moving forward, our team will continue our work and integrate our programs to support the local relief efforts.
There is a lot of information out there right now, and I wanted to highlight helpful resources as well as some of the best places to put your volunteer and financial support at this time.
No fancy pictures, no extra information, here are some links. Please feel free to reach out to me. As always, thank you for being a steward of our community.
Sincerely,
Jeanine
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Mutual Aid
Almeda Fire Mutual Aid google sheet:
This spreadsheet was made using a template from college mutual aid forms and is intended as a way to connect those impacted by the Almeda fire in the Rogue Valley to resources from other residents. Anyone with the link can edit it, please share widely!
Mutual Aid in the Rogue Valley:
In the wake of these emergencies, please consider donating basic essentials for those impacted by the fires. Recovery efforts will expand as needs arise, but for now please only contribute what’s listed below:
Water bottles / jars
Hand towels / disinfectant
Masks
Non-perishable food ready to eat
Diapers
Formula
Blankets
Sanitary towels / Tampons, other sanitary products
Sleeping bags
Tents
Pet Foods
Toilet paper
Mobile Chargers
First aid kit
Bathroom Products
Collection and drop-off points for these items are located at:
South Ashland - 770 Faith St
North Ashland - 223 Maple St (look for the white mailbox)
Medford – YMCA from 10:30-6:30PM
Habitat for Humanity is establishing a TOOL SHARE for those impacted by the Almeda Fire who plan to return to their homes in search of valuables/sentimental belongings. Donations of shovels, metal rakes, buckets with handles, gloves, sift boxes, garden wagons, etc. are being accepted. Questions, please check out their social media or email programs@roguevalleyhabitat.org
Financial support
Donate to one/ or a few of our favorite organizations that support those most in need:
Northwest Seasonal Workers Association: bring/ mail check to 203 N Oakdale Ave., Medford or call 541 773-6811
More places to donate for relief efforts throughout Southwest Oregon:
Rogue Credit Union: Rogue Credit Union is supporting local families, communities and relief efforts affected by the Almeda, Obenchain and other surrounding fires. Donations are tax deductible and will go to our local non-profits, designed specifically for assisting impacted families and rebuilding our communities. We will not be disbursing funds directly to individuals. Please contact the Red Cross, United Way, Access or other local organizations for request for assistance. Rogue will be matching donations dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.
Rogue Valley Recovers: Connect directly with individuals asking for help, or request assitance at this link.
Ashland Food Co-op: If you are looking for a way to help, or know others outside of the Rogue Valley looking to assist, donations can be made to the Co-op's Almeda/Glendower Fire Relief Fund. Click this link and you will see three donation options at the top of the page.
For individuals or families who might have an advised fund with the Oregon Community Foundation, please consider reaching out to them directly as they are actively putting together options for Oregon Wildfire Recovery across the state.
Information
Fire Detections and Resources:
State of Oregon Fires and Hotspots Dashboard
Oregon Wildfire Resources
Ryan Weather on Facebook
Air quality updates: Purple air
Emergency Notification and Response:
Pulse Point App.
Road Closures:
ODOT Trip Check