Emergency Support Resources
Supporting our community
The Spokane Area Fires have affected individuals and families throughout our region, causing evacuations, property loss, disruptions, and uncertainty. During times like these, our community’s strength is found in the way we care for one another.
At WSU Health Sciences Spokane, we know that students, staff, and community members may be facing unexpected challenges as they navigate the impacts of these fires. To help provide immediate assistance, we invite those in need to connect with available support resources and encourage those who are able to consider helping others through community giving.
Student Resources
Student Care Network
The Office of the Dean of Students is working to connect with students impacted by the Spokane Area Fires. If you or another student would like support navigating the academic impacts of this situation or exploring available WSU resources, we’re here to help.
WSU Health Sciences Emergency Fund
The WSU Health Sciences Emergency Fund provides short-term financial assistance to students experiencing unexpected hardships that may affect their ability to continue their education. Support may be available for students facing unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, sudden financial emergencies, housing instability, medical expenses, or other urgent needs. The fund is designed to provide timely relief so students can focus on their academic goals during challenging times.
Community contributions to the Emergency Fund help ensure that assistance is available when students need it most, providing critical support during moments of crisis.
WSU Health Sciences Campus Pantry
The WSU Health Sciences Campus Pantry helps address food insecurity by providing students with access to nutritious food and essential household and personal care items. By reducing barriers related to basic needs, the pantry supports student well-being and creates a stronger foundation for academic success.
Donations from community members, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends help keep pantry shelves stocked and ensure students have access to resources that promote health, stability, and success throughout their educational journey.
Employee Resources
- Employees can find information and FAQs on the Wildfire and Air Quality FAQs & Resources or reach out to hrs@wsu.edu for additional assistance.
- HRS is also providing resources specific to the Spokane Area Fires.
- Those with a health condition that would require them to request to work from home for more than a brief period, can contact HRS’ Medical Leave & Accommodation team to review leave and/or accommodation options.
- The WSU Office of Environmental Health and Safety provides resources and guidance regarding wildfire smoke, air quality, and employee safety.
- Review WAC 357-31-326 for information regarding 24 hours of leave with pay to employees who are experiencing extraordinary or severe impacts of a wildfire disaster.
- Employees represented by a bargaining agreement should refer to their contract.
Community Resources
Additional resources are available for those who have been impacted by the Spokane Area Fires. This is not an exhaustive list, and community members are encouraged to follow the City of Spokane, Spokane County Emergency Management, and the Spokane Area Fires official pages for the latest information.
- The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation shelter at the Spokane Convention Center. It is open 24 hours, parking is free, and pets are welcome.
- The Spokane County Fairgrounds are open for livestock and large animal evacuations and RV parking is available for those who need to evacuate animals.
- The YMCA of the Inland Northwest is opening all local branches to evacuees who need showers or a temporary place to rest. A valid photo ID is required for access. The facilities close at 8 p.m. Sunday and are open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The following locations are participating:
- Central YMCA, 930 North Monroe Street
- North YMCA, 10727 North Newport Highway
- South YMCA, 2921 East 57th Avenue
- Valley YMCA, 2421 North Discovery Place
- Spokane Public Schools will offer a free, emergency drop-in camp for children to assist Nine Mile Falls, Mead, and Spokane Public Schools families impacted by fires. Ages 4 and older are welcome. This is intended to give parents and caregivers impacted by wildfires a safe place for their children while they take a break, run errands, or address other immediate needs. Certificated SPS staff will supervise activities, and lunch will be provided at noon through the federal free summer meals program. Questions? Reach out to SPS at spokaneschools.org/contact.
- Partners Inland Northwest is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 10814 E. Broadway Avenue in Spokane Valley providing support, food, clothing and diapers to those in need. Donations are encouraged.
- Second Harvest is accepting donations of non-perishable food items at their warehouse at 1234 East Front Avenue from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday.
- The City of Spokane has launched a wildfire relief effort through its H.O.M.E. Starts Here Fund to help individuals and families affected by the Spokane Area Fires. The fund, which typically supports people experiencing homelessness, has been temporarily designated to provide immediate assistance and recovery support for wildfire survivors.
- The Spokane Humane Society is collecting and distributing donations of pet supplies.
