Detroit’s water storage. (Courtesy/ Oregon Community Foundation)
The Santiam Canyon and mid-Willamette Valley nonprofits are getting $1.3 million boost to help rebuild a water reservoir, help house those displaced by last September’s wildfires and assist farmworkers during wildfire season.
The money is thanks to the Community Rebuilding Fund, a joint effort led by Oregon Community Foundation in partnership with Meyer Memorial Trust, The Ford Family Foundation and American Red Cross.
On Wednesday, funders announced an additional $2.3 million will help support 27 more nonprofit organizations working to rebuild Oregon communities rebuild from the devastation of the 2020 fires.
Detroit will get an additional $150,000 to rebuild its municipal water storage reservoir which was destroyed by the Lionshead Fire last September.
The city is currently operating with 30% of the water storage capacity it had prior to the fire.
“Water is a basic, essential need that we must provide for with humans, wildlife and vegetation in our region” said Michele Tesdal, a Detroit city councilor, in a statement. “This project is vitally important and will increase protection, resilience and safety for all that call Santiam Canyon home.”
Cascade Relief Team will get $75,000 to support a long-term disaster preparedness plan.
Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley & Central Coast will get a $157,574 grant to hire two community health workers to facilitate service navigation, ensure equitable access to healthcare and assist in housing stabilization for residents of Linn and Marion counties impacted by wildfires.
The Detroit Lake Foundation will get $40,000 to support the Detroit Lake Community Center.
Habitat for Humanity-Mid-Willamette Valley will get $85,000 to hire additional construction staff to partner with low-income homeowners in the Santiam Canyon to make repairs to their homes.
Idanha Detroit Rural Fire Protection District will be able to construct a fire station with $112,500 from the fund.
Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency will use $90,000 to fund a variety of services for residents experiencing homelessness or who are unstably housed as a result of wildfires in Marion County. That can include rent and utility assistance, homelessness prevention and resource navigation.
Accion Politica PCUNista’s will hire and train organizers familiar with rules and safety regulations, particularly in regards to wildfires, excessive smoke and heat, to help Latino farmworkers in Marion County with $250,000.
-Saphara Harrell
