Later this year marks the fifth anniversary of the Almeda Fires, which devastated the Rogue Valley in 2020. Communities of color, low-income families, rural folks and people with disabilities were hit hardest.
In response to this crisis, community leaders in the Rogue Valley came together to organize emergency aid through mutual aid centers and supply drop offs. The fires revealed gaping holes in our state’s emergency response system, and that communities will spring into action to meet their needs.
Our community-led crisis response highlights the need for Community Resilience Hubs in Oregon, trusted local places that activate before, during and after emergencies. They can be tailored to each community’s needs, whether that means storing emergency supplies, setting up communications equipment or training local volunteers.
Act now — Urge legislators to support more funding for Community Resilience Hubs
In 2023, more than 50 community groups across the state came together to win $10 million for this program. The first round of grant recipients was announced in February. But demand for this funding far exceeded availability. More than 700 people applied, and less than 15 percent of projects were funded. That leaves $173 million worth of life-saving proposals still unfunded.
We need your help. Lawmakers are considering House Bill 3170, which would provide another $10 million for Resilience Hubs and Networks. Resilience hubs could be lifesaving in the face of worsening ice storms, heat waves, wildfires, and wildfire smoke.