Oregon wildfires in 2020 have created an unprecedented need for volunteering — families, communities and organizations need your help right now.
Volunteering is both rewarding and essential for the well being of our communities. Although the current pandemic has made it more difficult to actively get involved, there are still many ways to help.
Needs for volunteering can shift on a daily basis as sites enter new phases of recovery. Be sure to check in with sites and organizations the day before or the day of for the latest information on what is needed.
Health and Safety First: Tips on Protecting Yourself and Your Family in Volunteer Situations:
- Work with trained professionals to best serve the community.
- Protect yourself with the recommended gear.
- Check the Office of Emergency Management fires dashboard for updates about active wildfires, air quality and fire potential.
- Check TripCheck.com for current road conditions.
Important Oregon Specific Fire Information from Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster:
- Emergency Notifications Sign-up – how to
- Oregon Wildfire Resources – Oregon.gov
- Find shelters for people and animals
- Find open shelters – Red Cross
- Find a hotel for emergency lodging – PDF
- Emergency Management of Animals – VEMAnet.org
- Medical volunteers
- Find Mutual Support in Southern Oregon
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- Shelter
- Showers
- Food
- Supplies
- Emotional Support
Volunteer Opportunities
Medic Bloc PDX
A community resource group created to aid in rallies, protestors, and community events. During the wildfire efforts, they are helping to organize donation sites. Follow their instagram to stay in the know with high priority needs.
PCUN
PCUN is Oregon’s Farmworker Union fighting for low-wage workers and Latinx families in one of the most vibrant agricultural areas in the state. Reach out to find out how you can help.
Rogue Climate
Rogue Climate empowers Southern Oregon communities most impacted by climate change, including low-income, rural, youth, seniors, and communities of color, to win climate justice by organizing for clean energy, sustainable jobs, and a healthy environment.
United Oregon
United Oregon works across Oregon to build a unified intercultural movement for justice, focusing on living wages, racial justice, immigrant and refugee rights, and affordable housing.
Volunteer and take action on the issues that matter to you.
Red Cross
The Red Cross is operating shelters in Multnomah County and other Oregon communities for people who have been evacuated from the fire zones in neighboring counties. A one time training is required.
Urgent Volunteer Needs at Red Cross:
- Licensed health professional
- Blood donor support
- Shelter support
- Virtual positions
- Volunteer at Red Cross
- or call: 1-800-Red Cross
USDA Forest Service
Volunteer opportunities include programs and activities such as fire prevention, conservation education and trail/site maintenance. Their mission is to help sustain our nation’s ecosystems to meet the needs of present and future generations. Click here to learn more.
Rural Organizing Project
Rural Organizing Project is a rural-centered, grassroots organization that works to build and support a shared standard of human dignity, the belief in the equal worth of all people, the need for equal access to justice and the right to self-determination.
Salvation Army
Help the Salvation Army provide meals and resources for evacuees across Oregon. Check their website for the most up to date information on essential needs.
Oregon Department of Forestry
The state needs additional wildland fire equipment and resources. Go here to find out how you can help fight fires.
Evacuation Sites: Volunteer Opportunities
Check in with each individual site prior to arrival to find out what opportunities are currently available.
Marion County Fairground Evac Center
United Way of Mid-Willamette Valley
Evacuation site activities include unloading donations, traffic control, staging support and sanitation.
Livestock, Pets and Equipment
Experienced volunteers for emergency situations are needed! Stay tuned through the following links.
Holiday Farm (McKenzie) Fire Animal Rescue (Lane Co)
Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Emergency Resource Map