More than 1,000 individuals impacted by the Spokane Complex Wildfire visited the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) during its first two days of operation at Shadle Park High School.
Spokane County Emergency Management (SCEM) organizes DACs after disaster events, bringing resources and support from more than 50 agencies together in one place to assist impacted families.
“We have so many resources for you and so many people who we who want to help,” said SCEM program specialist Simone Ramel-McKay.
Holding the DAC — which continues 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through at least Sunday, Aug. 9 — at Shadle Park High School has allowed families to find support in a place that has been like a second home to Northwest Spokane residents for nearly 70 years.
“I think it's such an important role for the school district to play,” said School Support Services executive director Becky Doughty. “We're really uniquely positioned space wise and staffing wise to be able to be a support for our families during this time.”
While parents and caregivers navigate DAC resources, guided by the Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group, children ages 4 and older can drop-in at a free day camp from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. this weekend. SPS staff have kept kids busy with crafts, games, movies and other activities while their grown-ups navigate next steps.
“Whatever your need is, whatever you're struggling with. We know this is painful. We know this is hard. But please come,” Ramel-McKay offered to community members. “This is a tremendous collaboration with city and county resources. We're all in this to support the community, and we hope you will come and visit us.”
Find information about resources, volunteering, and more at SpokaneCommunityResources.org.