Blog

Flood Recovery in Whatcom County: Community Update

Thanks to the generosity of this community and beyond, Whatcom Community Foundation’s Resilience Fund is actively supporting neighbors impacted by flooding across Whatcom County.

To date, more than $490,000 has been raised for flood relief through the Whatcom Community Foundation. These funds are being coordinated closely with trusted local organizations and frontline providers who are responding in real time and identifying where support is needed most. These partners include: Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group, OASIS, Lhaq’temish Foundation, Ferndale Community Services, Nooksack Valley Food Bank, PNW Plateful, and more.

As recovery continues, funding will be deployed thoughtfully to meet urgent and emerging needs across the county.

There is encouraging news to share. Whatcom County’s recovery response is stronger and more connected than ever. Over the last two weeks, over 750 individuals and families have registered for case management support with the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group, signaling earlier connection to help and faster coordination than in past flood events.

While response systems are stronger than they were in 2021, local funding remains the fastest and most flexible way to help. The greatest needs we are hearing include immediate assistance for households, farms, and small businesses; cleanup and recovery support; and resources to bridge the gap while insurance and government relief are pending.

Early, unrestricted local giving allows families to stabilize now and helps community partners respond with dignity and care.

 

Support Flood Recovery in Whatcom County:

     

 

Resources:

If you or someone you know needs recovery support, please contact the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group here: https://www.whatcomstrong.com/resourceportal

If you are able to volunteer your time and energy with local cleanup efforts, please complete the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group volunteer inquiry form here: https://www.whatcomstrong.com/volunteer

Small business owners and nonprofit organizations that experienced flood-related damage are encouraged to complete the Whatcom County Business Damage Assessment Survey. Responses help document local impacts and support requests for state and federal recovery funding. 

Nonprofit organizations currently supporting individuals and families affected by flooding are invited to share their needs with the Whatcom Community Foundation HERE. This information helps guide coordinated funding and resource deployment.

Local farmers and small business owners will be able to apply for recovery grants in early 2026 through community partnerships with the WWU Small Business Development Center and the Community Food Co-op’s Farm Fund. Additional details and application information will be shared as they become available.

Please be patient — a tremendous amount of coordination is happening behind the scenes, much of it led by volunteers, to thoughtfully match needs with available help.

When neighbors extend a hand to neighbors, Whatcom becomes not just more resilient — but more connected, compassionate, and extraordinary.

Thank you for being part of what makes this place so special.